From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2019): Eastmincom sees NPA rendered insignificant by 2022
The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has set a 2022 target to cripple the New People’s Army still operating in its area of jurisdiction.
Lt Gen Felimon Santos Jr., the EastMinCom commander, said in an interview at the sidelines of the 13th founding anniversary of EastMinCom held at Naval Felix Apolinario Station on Monday that some guerrilla fronts of the NPA have aleady been dismantled.
There are only a few units of the Pulang Bagani Command in the region left in the region.
“The governors and local chief executives and the military, especially in Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, they could see the results for the past few months that there were no encounters that happened because of the fewer presence of the NPA, ” he said.
He said only few barangays in Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, and Davao City are still under the influence of the NPA.
But he said Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao remain a challenge, particularly in Kitaotao, Valencia, and Quezon in Bukidnon and in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur in Caraga. They will train their attention on these areas in the months to come.
“But we focus on establishing conflict and resilient communities since there are no armed men already, so will sustain it through the help of local chief executives, ” he added.
He said within this quarter, they could declare the remaining 16 barangays in Davao City cleared from the NPA.
In the area of EastMinCom, he estimated that there are more or less 20 guerrilla fronts with 1,000 NPA fighters. “Some groups are just maintaning their names but don’t have manpower already so we need to revalidate again, ” he further said.
He believed by 2022, the influence of the NPA in both Caraga and Region X will be “minimal.”
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Army, PNP conduct joint counter-insurgency training in Surigao Norte
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2019): Army, PNP conduct joint counter-insurgency training in Surigao Norte (By 30IB, Philippine Army)
After the training, the 2nd PMFC and the 30IB are expected to be more aggressive in the conduct of counter-insurgency operations to maintain the peace and security in Surigao del Norte. (1Lt. Wilfredo F. Quilang, Acting Civil-Military Operations Officer, 30IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 27 -- “Proficient and ready for the next mission,” the 30th Infantry Python Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army and 2nd Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd SDN PMFC), Philippine National Police (PNP) said out loud during the closing ceremony of the 30IB-2nd SDN PMFC Inter-Operability Training on August 9, 2019 at the 30IB headquarters, Brgy. Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
Aligned to the “whole-of-nation” approach by virtue of the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, series of 2018 to combat terrorism and violent extremism, the participating trainees completed the four-day training that focused on enhancing the tactical competencies and leadership skills of every man in uniform.
Aligned to the “whole-of-nation” approach by virtue of the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, series of 2018 to combat terrorism and violent extremism, the participating trainees completed the four-day training that focused on enhancing the tactical competencies and leadership skills of every man in uniform.
“We recognize the efforts of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP whose love for the country is paramount than their personal happiness, comfort and convenience. Congratulations to our partners, the highly dedicated peacekeepers. Our province is proud of your efforts in organizing this kind of activity,” said Cayetano Recabo, board member of District II, Surigao del Norte.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Villarosa, acting commanding officer of 30IB said that the objective of said training is to jointly enhance the capability to provide a secure and safe environment in the province so that the local government units and other agencies will be able to bring their services to the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDAS) like LASICAM or Brgy. Lahi, Sico-Sico, Camaman-onan.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Villarosa, acting commanding officer of 30IB said that the objective of said training is to jointly enhance the capability to provide a secure and safe environment in the province so that the local government units and other agencies will be able to bring their services to the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDAS) like LASICAM or Brgy. Lahi, Sico-Sico, Camaman-onan.
Meanwhile, Col. Cerilo C. Balaoro, Jr., deputy brigade commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade said that the PNP and the AFP inter-operability training is a very commendable initiative of both 30IB and the 2nd SDN PMFC to enhance their operational effectiveness.
He further stated that before, the police and the military works hand-in-hand in suppressing the insurgency. Upon the proclamation of RA 8551 also known as the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act, the PNP then focused on law enforcement. However, with the proclamation of EO 546 Series of 2006, the PNP was tasked to once again take an active support role to the AFP in suppressing insurgency.
He further stated that before, the police and the military works hand-in-hand in suppressing the insurgency. Upon the proclamation of RA 8551 also known as the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act, the PNP then focused on law enforcement. However, with the proclamation of EO 546 Series of 2006, the PNP was tasked to once again take an active support role to the AFP in suppressing insurgency.
After the training, the 2nd PMFC and the 30IB are expected to be more aggressive in the conduct of counter-insurgency operations to maintain the peace and security in Surigao del Norte. (1Lt. Wilfredo F. Quilang, Acting Civil-Military Operations Officer, 30IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Tagalog News: Nograles, pinangunahan ang 2nd RTF-ELCAC meeting sa Caraga
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 29, 2019): Tagalog News: Nograles, pinangunahan ang 2nd RTF-ELCAC meeting sa Caraga
LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte -- Pinangunahan ngayong Martes ni Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles ang 2nd Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Meeting na ginanap sa Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.
Ang nasabing pagpupulong ay alinsunod sa Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018 kung saan noong ika-26 ng Hunyo 2019 ang Caraga RTF-ELCAC at ang labindalawang clusters nito ay pormal nang nalikha.
Sa ikalawang Caraga RTF-ELCAC meeting na ito ay binigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat cluster na ipresenta ang inisyal na resulta ng kanilang ginawang planning workshops ukol sa pagbabalangkas ng kani-kanilang magagandang hangarin at mga plano at talakayin ang usaping pangkapayapaan at pag-unlad sa rehiyon.
Si Nograles ang nakatalagang Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) at chairperson ng Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Ang mga miyembro ng Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) at Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) ay kabahagi rin ng binuong RTF-ELCAC. Ang 12 clusters ng regional task force naman ay pangungunahan ng mga sumusunod na ahensiya ng gobyerno: Local Government Empowerment – DILG, Legal Cooperation – DOJ, Basic Services – DILG, Peace and Law Enforcement - 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, Local Peace Engagement – DILG at OPAPP, Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment – DOLE, Livelihood and Poverty Alleviation – TESDA, Strategic Communications – PIA, Infrastructure and Resource Management – DPWH, Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management – NICA, E-CLIP, Amnesty – DILG at International Engagement – DFA.
Ang nasabing pagpupulong ay alinsunod sa Executive Order No. 70, series of 2018 kung saan noong ika-26 ng Hunyo 2019 ang Caraga RTF-ELCAC at ang labindalawang clusters nito ay pormal nang nalikha.
Sa ikalawang Caraga RTF-ELCAC meeting na ito ay binigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat cluster na ipresenta ang inisyal na resulta ng kanilang ginawang planning workshops ukol sa pagbabalangkas ng kani-kanilang magagandang hangarin at mga plano at talakayin ang usaping pangkapayapaan at pag-unlad sa rehiyon.
Si Nograles ang nakatalagang Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) at chairperson ng Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Ang mga miyembro ng Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) at Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) ay kabahagi rin ng binuong RTF-ELCAC. Ang 12 clusters ng regional task force naman ay pangungunahan ng mga sumusunod na ahensiya ng gobyerno: Local Government Empowerment – DILG, Legal Cooperation – DOJ, Basic Services – DILG, Peace and Law Enforcement - 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, Local Peace Engagement – DILG at OPAPP, Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment – DOLE, Livelihood and Poverty Alleviation – TESDA, Strategic Communications – PIA, Infrastructure and Resource Management – DPWH, Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management – NICA, E-CLIP, Amnesty – DILG at International Engagement – DFA.
Pagkatapos ng cluster presentations, inatasan ng kalihim ang mga ito na i-update ang kanilang roadmaps, roles, at functions base sa naging komento ng grupo at binigyang diin nito na dapat ang lahat ng member-agencies ng mga clusters ay bigyan ng mga tiyak na gawain at assignments.
“Itong Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ay ni-localize na rin natin alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na dapat ang implementasyon nito ay dalhin sa provincial, city, municipal hanggang barangay levels,” ayon kay Nograles.
Bilang susog sa EO No. 70, inilabas ng DILG ang Memorandum Circular No. 2019-125 na naglalaman ng mga alituntunin para sa mga local government units partikular sa local chief executives na ipatupad sa kani-kanilang nasasakupan ang naturang executive order.
Naglabas din ang nasabing ahensiya ng memorandum na mas paunlarin ang mga barangay sa pamamagitan ng programang pinatatakbo ng komunidad at retooled community support program.
Dati ng lumihan si Secretary Nograles sa lahat ng namumuno ng mga concerned national government agencies upang hilingin sa mga ito na aktibong makibahagi, manindigan at suportahan ang localization process ng naturang task force.
Sa nasabing pagpupulong ay kinilala rin ng kalihim ang masigasig na pakikipagtulungan ng mga miyembro ng Regional Development Council (RDC) at Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) sa naturang rehiyon.
Nangako rin ito na kanyang personal na ipa-follow up ang mga appointments ng chairperson ng council upang makapagsimula nang kumilos at magtrabaho para sa kaayusan at katahimikan gayundin sa pagpapaunlad ng rehiyon.
Sa susunod na buwan ngayong taon, plantsado na ang gaganaping Covenant Signing sa Caraga na sasaksihan ng 80 pilot barangays kasama ang mga kinatawan ng civil society organizations at pribadong sektor upang pormal na maselyuhan ang commitments ng mga ahensiya at stakeholders para sa ikatatagumpay ng localized implementation ng EO No. 70. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026534
“Itong Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ay ni-localize na rin natin alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na dapat ang implementasyon nito ay dalhin sa provincial, city, municipal hanggang barangay levels,” ayon kay Nograles.
Bilang susog sa EO No. 70, inilabas ng DILG ang Memorandum Circular No. 2019-125 na naglalaman ng mga alituntunin para sa mga local government units partikular sa local chief executives na ipatupad sa kani-kanilang nasasakupan ang naturang executive order.
Naglabas din ang nasabing ahensiya ng memorandum na mas paunlarin ang mga barangay sa pamamagitan ng programang pinatatakbo ng komunidad at retooled community support program.
Dati ng lumihan si Secretary Nograles sa lahat ng namumuno ng mga concerned national government agencies upang hilingin sa mga ito na aktibong makibahagi, manindigan at suportahan ang localization process ng naturang task force.
Sa nasabing pagpupulong ay kinilala rin ng kalihim ang masigasig na pakikipagtulungan ng mga miyembro ng Regional Development Council (RDC) at Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) sa naturang rehiyon.
Nangako rin ito na kanyang personal na ipa-follow up ang mga appointments ng chairperson ng council upang makapagsimula nang kumilos at magtrabaho para sa kaayusan at katahimikan gayundin sa pagpapaunlad ng rehiyon.
Sa susunod na buwan ngayong taon, plantsado na ang gaganaping Covenant Signing sa Caraga na sasaksihan ng 80 pilot barangays kasama ang mga kinatawan ng civil society organizations at pribadong sektor upang pormal na maselyuhan ang commitments ng mga ahensiya at stakeholders para sa ikatatagumpay ng localized implementation ng EO No. 70. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026534
Tagalog News: Mga nabuong action plans sa bawat cluster ng RTF-ELCAC, plantsado na
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 29, 2019): Tagalog News: Mga nabuong action plans sa bawat cluster ng RTF-ELCAC, plantsado na
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Matapos ang puspusang pagbuo ng action plans ng bawat cluster sa ilalim ng Regional Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) sa lungsod ng Butuan, plinansta na ito at handa ng ipresenta sa gaganaping joint Regional Development Council (RDC) at Regional Peace And Order Council (RPOC) meeting sa Surigao City sa August 27.
Ayon kay regional director Lilibeth Famacion ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, nagtipon-tipon ang mga miyembro ng ibat-ibang clusters sa RTF-ELCAC ng rehiyon upang mas maging organisado ang kanilang mga plano sa paglaban sa insurhensiya sa Caraga.
Binigyang-diin ni Undersecretary Joann Burgos ng Office of Cabinet Secretary, na kinakailangang maintindihang mabuti ng bawat member-agencies sa task force ang kani-kanilang tungkulin at kontribusyon upang maisagawa ang nakasaad sa action plans ng mga ito at makamit ang intensyon na sugpuin ang insurgency sa rehiyon ng Caraga.
Dagdag pa niya, ang Caraga ay isa sa mga problemadong lugar pagdating sa peace and order sa bansa.
“Ang Caraga is isa sa mga lugar na patuloy pang tinutugunan ang problema sa insurgency. Tutulong din si Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles sa mga clusters kasama ang iba pang sector sa rehiyon upang mas maging payapa at maunlad ang Caraga,” sabi ni Burgos.
Napapanahon naman para kay assistant regional director Roy Kantuna ng National Economic and Development (NEDA) Caraga ang pagbuo at pag-finalize ng action plans para sa pagpapatupad ng Executive Order (EO) No. 70 dahil magagamit ito sa pag-update ng Regional Development Plan kung saan tinututukan ang conflict affected areas ng rehiyon at potential investment programs para dito.
Matatandaan na ang EO No. 70 ay nilagdaan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte noong December 4, 2018 at mula noon ay puspusan na ang pagsagawa ng ibat-ibang stratehiya ng mga mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan upang matugunan ang problema ng insurgency sa bansa. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026433
Ayon kay regional director Lilibeth Famacion ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, nagtipon-tipon ang mga miyembro ng ibat-ibang clusters sa RTF-ELCAC ng rehiyon upang mas maging organisado ang kanilang mga plano sa paglaban sa insurhensiya sa Caraga.
Binigyang-diin ni Undersecretary Joann Burgos ng Office of Cabinet Secretary, na kinakailangang maintindihang mabuti ng bawat member-agencies sa task force ang kani-kanilang tungkulin at kontribusyon upang maisagawa ang nakasaad sa action plans ng mga ito at makamit ang intensyon na sugpuin ang insurgency sa rehiyon ng Caraga.
Dagdag pa niya, ang Caraga ay isa sa mga problemadong lugar pagdating sa peace and order sa bansa.
“Ang Caraga is isa sa mga lugar na patuloy pang tinutugunan ang problema sa insurgency. Tutulong din si Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles sa mga clusters kasama ang iba pang sector sa rehiyon upang mas maging payapa at maunlad ang Caraga,” sabi ni Burgos.
Napapanahon naman para kay assistant regional director Roy Kantuna ng National Economic and Development (NEDA) Caraga ang pagbuo at pag-finalize ng action plans para sa pagpapatupad ng Executive Order (EO) No. 70 dahil magagamit ito sa pag-update ng Regional Development Plan kung saan tinututukan ang conflict affected areas ng rehiyon at potential investment programs para dito.
Matatandaan na ang EO No. 70 ay nilagdaan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte noong December 4, 2018 at mula noon ay puspusan na ang pagsagawa ng ibat-ibang stratehiya ng mga mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan upang matugunan ang problema ng insurgency sa bansa. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026433
NegOcc approves creation of anti-insurgency task force
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): NegOcc approves creation of anti-insurgency task force
JOINT APPROVAL. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (3rd from right) presides over the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at the Capitol-owned Negros First Residences on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019). The two bodies unanimously approved a joint resolution for the creation of the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
JOINT APPROVAL. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (3rd from right) presides over the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at the Capitol-owned Negros First Residences on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019). The two bodies unanimously approved a joint resolution for the creation of the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
The government’s anti-insurgency campaign in Negros Occidental has been given a boost with the unanimous support of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).
Both bodies passed a joint resolution for the creation of the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in a meeting presided by Governor Eugenio Lacson at the Negros First Residences here on Tuesday afternoon.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, welcomed the approval of the resolution which he presented during the meeting.
“It is a confirmation that the solution to insurgency is not only in the hands of the military and police, but most importantly with the local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies,” Arevalo told the Philippine News Agency.
He noted that local governments and state agencies are tasked to deliver services that will prevent people from being enticed to join or support the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“This is also an opportunity for the members of the task force to closely work together in addressing the root causes of insurgency in Negros,” he said.
The creation of the Negros Occidental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and directing the adoption of a national peace framework.
On August 22, Lacson, who led the conduct of the ELCAC Planning Workshop, said that peace is viable for Negros Occidental and the Philippines under the whole-of-nation approach.
Negros Occidental, considered a hotbed of insurgency, has the presence of CPP-NPA cadres mainly in the first, fifth and six districts, although the military has reported that their number has decreased in recent years.
Under EO 70, there is a shift from a traditional military-centric scheme to a civilian-led way in confronting the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) through a whole-of-nation approach, in which the military solution should be just one of the many components in addressing the communist insurgency.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078912
Both bodies passed a joint resolution for the creation of the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in a meeting presided by Governor Eugenio Lacson at the Negros First Residences here on Tuesday afternoon.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, welcomed the approval of the resolution which he presented during the meeting.
“It is a confirmation that the solution to insurgency is not only in the hands of the military and police, but most importantly with the local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies,” Arevalo told the Philippine News Agency.
He noted that local governments and state agencies are tasked to deliver services that will prevent people from being enticed to join or support the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“This is also an opportunity for the members of the task force to closely work together in addressing the root causes of insurgency in Negros,” he said.
The creation of the Negros Occidental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and directing the adoption of a national peace framework.
On August 22, Lacson, who led the conduct of the ELCAC Planning Workshop, said that peace is viable for Negros Occidental and the Philippines under the whole-of-nation approach.
Negros Occidental, considered a hotbed of insurgency, has the presence of CPP-NPA cadres mainly in the first, fifth and six districts, although the military has reported that their number has decreased in recent years.
Under EO 70, there is a shift from a traditional military-centric scheme to a civilian-led way in confronting the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) through a whole-of-nation approach, in which the military solution should be just one of the many components in addressing the communist insurgency.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078912
Ex-MILF combatants to serve in Joint Peace and Security Team
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): Ex-MILF combatants to serve in Joint Peace and Security Team
PEACE AND SECURITY TEAM. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, addresses the former MILF combatants who completed Tuesday, (Aug. 27, 2019) a month-long basic military training at the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato. They will become members of the Joint Peace and Security Team in the Bangsamoro Region.(Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)
Two-hundred nineteen former Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) members are now ready to be deployed to become part of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) of the Bangsamoro Region.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said this was made possible after they graduated Tuesday in a month-long basic military training at Camp Lucero that houses the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Nasapian, Carmen, North Cotabato.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said this was made possible after they graduated Tuesday in a month-long basic military training at Camp Lucero that houses the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Nasapian, Carmen, North Cotabato.
Sobejana said the training aims to equip the former MILF combatants to become competent peacekeeping forces prior to their deployment at the six identified MILF camps on Sept. 7 as part of the peace accord between the government and the MILF.
He said the former rebels will form part of the team composed of government forces that will operate against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway faction of the MILF.
“The deployment (of the JPST) will significantly reduce the maneuver space of the BIFF,” he said in an interview with the Philippine New Agency.
During the graduation Tuesday, Sobejana reminded the former MILF combatants not to be deceived by others “who chose to still take the wrong path.”
“You are trained to become more resilient and capable of performing your duties and responsibilities as part of the security forces,” he told the former MILF combatants, as he encouraged them to be part of the foundation of a just and lasting peace along with sustainable progress in the Bangsamoro Region.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078913
He said the former rebels will form part of the team composed of government forces that will operate against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway faction of the MILF.
“The deployment (of the JPST) will significantly reduce the maneuver space of the BIFF,” he said in an interview with the Philippine New Agency.
During the graduation Tuesday, Sobejana reminded the former MILF combatants not to be deceived by others “who chose to still take the wrong path.”
“You are trained to become more resilient and capable of performing your duties and responsibilities as part of the security forces,” he told the former MILF combatants, as he encouraged them to be part of the foundation of a just and lasting peace along with sustainable progress in the Bangsamoro Region.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078913
PH's 2nd missile frigate launch set in September
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29, 2019): PH's 2nd missile frigate launch set in September
Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
The Philippine Navy's (PN) second missile frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), will be formally launched in the first week of September.
"Our second frigate will be launched (in the) first week of September. By that time, the first frigate (BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) will be finished (fitting its equipment)," said Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad during an interview with reporters at the PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Wednesday.
The launching ceremonies will take place at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
The BRP Jose Rizal, the country's first missile frigate, was launched at the same facility last May 23.
The first missile frigate is expected to be delivered to the PN by April 2020 while the BRP Antonio Luna is scheduled for September of the same year.
The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates with another PHP2 billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition.
The steel-cutting for BRP Jose Rizal took place in April 1, 2018 while the same ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna transpired on November the same year. This event officially signified the start of the actual construction of the frigates.
Meanwhile, the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Jose Rizal took place in October 2018 as the formal recognition of the start of the ship’s construction.
Keel-laying refers to the official start of the construction of any ship and is considered among the four highlights of any surface vessel with the other three being steel-cutting, commissioning, and decommissioning.
Both ships are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm remote-controlled secondary cannon, anti-submarine torpedoes, and anti-air and ship missiles.
The Jose Rizal-class frigates of the PN are also equipped with a Hanwha Systems' Naval Shield combat management system (CMS), which integrates all shipboard sensors and weapons and decides on which is ideal to deal with any incoming threats.
This system can also detect and track air, surface and sub-surface targets and is used in various configurations by the Republic of Korea Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
"It is a strategic move as (these) ship(s) will be the most powerful in the PN due to its multiple capabilities," Empedrad earlier said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078985
"Our second frigate will be launched (in the) first week of September. By that time, the first frigate (BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) will be finished (fitting its equipment)," said Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad during an interview with reporters at the PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Wednesday.
The launching ceremonies will take place at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
The BRP Jose Rizal, the country's first missile frigate, was launched at the same facility last May 23.
The first missile frigate is expected to be delivered to the PN by April 2020 while the BRP Antonio Luna is scheduled for September of the same year.
The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates with another PHP2 billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition.
The steel-cutting for BRP Jose Rizal took place in April 1, 2018 while the same ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna transpired on November the same year. This event officially signified the start of the actual construction of the frigates.
Meanwhile, the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Jose Rizal took place in October 2018 as the formal recognition of the start of the ship’s construction.
Keel-laying refers to the official start of the construction of any ship and is considered among the four highlights of any surface vessel with the other three being steel-cutting, commissioning, and decommissioning.
Both ships are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm remote-controlled secondary cannon, anti-submarine torpedoes, and anti-air and ship missiles.
The Jose Rizal-class frigates of the PN are also equipped with a Hanwha Systems' Naval Shield combat management system (CMS), which integrates all shipboard sensors and weapons and decides on which is ideal to deal with any incoming threats.
This system can also detect and track air, surface and sub-surface targets and is used in various configurations by the Republic of Korea Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
"It is a strategic move as (these) ship(s) will be the most powerful in the PN due to its multiple capabilities," Empedrad earlier said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078985
Navy to commission 4 amphibious vehicles, 3 attack craft Sept. 16
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): Navy to commission 4 amphibious vehicles, 3 attack craft Sept. 16
Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
The Philippine Navy (PN) is scheduled to commission into service four additional amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and three more multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) next month.
"The four AAVs along with the three MPACs will be commissioned into service this coming September 16," Navy flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said in a press briefing held at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila Wednesday.
The first four AAVs were commissioned at the 121st PN founding anniversary during ceremonies at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite last June 17.
While the second batch of AAVs arrived this August and had successfully completed their Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee on the same month.
The AAV contract is worth PHP2.42 billion.
These vehicles are armed with .50-caliber machineguns, 40mm grenade launchers and smoke launchers.
Meanwhile, the three MPACs will be also be armed with Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles, Empedrad added.
This would boost the number of missile-armed MPACs of the PN to six.
These boats were also delivered early this month.
The MPACs will be called the Mark IV and production started in November last year. Empedrad earlier said that the builders of the MPACs are the same as the previous Mark II and III.
The PN's three Mark IIIs MPACs were built by the Subic-based Propmech Corporation and activated on May 22, 2017.
These boats can cruise up to 45 knots and are armed with remotely-controlled .50-caliber machineguns aside from the Spike-ER missiles.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078874
"The four AAVs along with the three MPACs will be commissioned into service this coming September 16," Navy flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said in a press briefing held at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila Wednesday.
The first four AAVs were commissioned at the 121st PN founding anniversary during ceremonies at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite last June 17.
While the second batch of AAVs arrived this August and had successfully completed their Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee on the same month.
The AAV contract is worth PHP2.42 billion.
These vehicles are armed with .50-caliber machineguns, 40mm grenade launchers and smoke launchers.
Meanwhile, the three MPACs will be also be armed with Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles, Empedrad added.
This would boost the number of missile-armed MPACs of the PN to six.
These boats were also delivered early this month.
The MPACs will be called the Mark IV and production started in November last year. Empedrad earlier said that the builders of the MPACs are the same as the previous Mark II and III.
The PN's three Mark IIIs MPACs were built by the Subic-based Propmech Corporation and activated on May 22, 2017.
These boats can cruise up to 45 knots and are armed with remotely-controlled .50-caliber machineguns aside from the Spike-ER missiles.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078874
BRP Gregorio del Pilar repairs done by 2020: Navy
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): BRP Gregorio del Pilar repairs done by 2020: Navy
BRP Gregorio del Pilar. (File photo)
BRP Gregorio del Pilar. (File photo)
The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15) might be restored to service by the second semester of 2020, Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer-in-Command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad, said Wednesday.
Repair of the ship's propeller and hub, which was damaged during its grounding off Hasa-Hasa Shoal while patrolling the area on August 29 last year, is still not completed, Empedrad said.
"The problem with the (Gregorio) del Pilar is that its propeller and another important part, which (were) damaged in the grounding, will only be available by (either the) first or second quarter of next year and the (ship) might be repaired by the second semester of next year," he said in a mix of Filipino and English in a press briefing.
He added that they are trying to expedite its repair because without it, the Navy only has two large ships capable of long-distance patrol -- the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17).
The Gregorio del Pilar was towed from the Hasa-Hasa Shoal on Sept. 3, 2018 and arrived at Subic Bay, Zambales four days later.
Meanwhile, Empedrad said the newly acquired BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) from South Korea was ready for deployment.
"I am also happy that our corvette (the Conrado Yap) is already here and we can deploy it to Palawan, Zamboanga. It can patrol the eastern side of the country," he said.
The Conrado Yap was formally commissioned into the Navy at the Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea last August 5 and arrived in the Philippines last August 20.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078880
Repair of the ship's propeller and hub, which was damaged during its grounding off Hasa-Hasa Shoal while patrolling the area on August 29 last year, is still not completed, Empedrad said.
"The problem with the (Gregorio) del Pilar is that its propeller and another important part, which (were) damaged in the grounding, will only be available by (either the) first or second quarter of next year and the (ship) might be repaired by the second semester of next year," he said in a mix of Filipino and English in a press briefing.
He added that they are trying to expedite its repair because without it, the Navy only has two large ships capable of long-distance patrol -- the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17).
The Gregorio del Pilar was towed from the Hasa-Hasa Shoal on Sept. 3, 2018 and arrived at Subic Bay, Zambales four days later.
Meanwhile, Empedrad said the newly acquired BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) from South Korea was ready for deployment.
"I am also happy that our corvette (the Conrado Yap) is already here and we can deploy it to Palawan, Zamboanga. It can patrol the eastern side of the country," he said.
The Conrado Yap was formally commissioned into the Navy at the Jinhae Naval Base in South Korea last August 5 and arrived in the Philippines last August 20.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078880
Duterte urges military to end communist insurgency now
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): Duterte urges military to end communist insurgency now
President Rodrigo Duterte. (Presidential photo)
MANILA -- Warning of “a little trouble” in the coming months, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the military to end communist insurgency stressing the government could not afford to pass it on to the next generation of Filipinos.
“I’m serving notice to everybody that in the coming months, it will be -- not really bloody, but there will be at least, a little trouble for our country,” Duterte said during the 31st anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) main office in Quezon City on Tuesday night.
“So I am telling the military, ‘Can we end it now?’ We cannot afford to pass it on to the next generation. Baka hindi na nila makaya (They might not be able to handle it). It has to be now,” he added.
Duterte also hinted at imposing “very radical change” in the government but did not elaborate what these were.
“Revolution is no longer a vogue. You cannot win a fight for social justice or for a better life in your country if you go to revolution. It won’t work. Hindi nga kayo makahawak ni isang barangay (You can’t even occupy one village). And in the coming days, there will be a very, very radical change in the behavior of government,” Duterte said.
“You know, I am not challenging. You might win or you may lose, but that is something to be seen,” he added.
For him, Duterte thinks the government could no longer afford to wage a war against communist rebels for another 50 years.
“We do not have that hatred in our heart. Ang akin lang (But for me), it’s about time that you stop this revolution. If you want changes, it has to be through evolution. Dahan-dahan lang (We should do it slowly),” Duterte said.
The President also emphasized that the country would never prosper if social ills such as communist insurgency, criminality, and corruption are not curbed.
“I will not stay forever in this world, but these are two things which you must remember. If we cannot have law and order in this country and if we cannot stop corruption in government, there can be no -- never will we rise to the next step as a nation,” Duterte said.
Aside from communist insurgency and corruption, Duterte also stressed the need to put a stop to illegal drugs in the country.
“We have to finish it pati droga (even drugs). And this will make us a magnet for all criticisms that are -- they’re waiting us -- waiting for us to do and commit a wrong,” Duterte said.
Last March, Duterte officially announced the permanent termination of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in preference for localized peace engagements.
He has also repeatedly urged communist rebels to “choose a better fight in life”, assuring that the government will provide them with livelihood assistance as long as they laid down their arms.
Earlier, Duterte issued Executive Order 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.
He also designated Cabinet secretaries as Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) “to help ending regional and local communists.”
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078892
President Rodrigo Duterte. (Presidential photo)
MANILA -- Warning of “a little trouble” in the coming months, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the military to end communist insurgency stressing the government could not afford to pass it on to the next generation of Filipinos.
“I’m serving notice to everybody that in the coming months, it will be -- not really bloody, but there will be at least, a little trouble for our country,” Duterte said during the 31st anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) main office in Quezon City on Tuesday night.
“So I am telling the military, ‘Can we end it now?’ We cannot afford to pass it on to the next generation. Baka hindi na nila makaya (They might not be able to handle it). It has to be now,” he added.
Duterte also hinted at imposing “very radical change” in the government but did not elaborate what these were.
“Revolution is no longer a vogue. You cannot win a fight for social justice or for a better life in your country if you go to revolution. It won’t work. Hindi nga kayo makahawak ni isang barangay (You can’t even occupy one village). And in the coming days, there will be a very, very radical change in the behavior of government,” Duterte said.
“You know, I am not challenging. You might win or you may lose, but that is something to be seen,” he added.
For him, Duterte thinks the government could no longer afford to wage a war against communist rebels for another 50 years.
“We do not have that hatred in our heart. Ang akin lang (But for me), it’s about time that you stop this revolution. If you want changes, it has to be through evolution. Dahan-dahan lang (We should do it slowly),” Duterte said.
The President also emphasized that the country would never prosper if social ills such as communist insurgency, criminality, and corruption are not curbed.
“I will not stay forever in this world, but these are two things which you must remember. If we cannot have law and order in this country and if we cannot stop corruption in government, there can be no -- never will we rise to the next step as a nation,” Duterte said.
Aside from communist insurgency and corruption, Duterte also stressed the need to put a stop to illegal drugs in the country.
“We have to finish it pati droga (even drugs). And this will make us a magnet for all criticisms that are -- they’re waiting us -- waiting for us to do and commit a wrong,” Duterte said.
Last March, Duterte officially announced the permanent termination of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in preference for localized peace engagements.
He has also repeatedly urged communist rebels to “choose a better fight in life”, assuring that the government will provide them with livelihood assistance as long as they laid down their arms.
Earlier, Duterte issued Executive Order 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.
He also designated Cabinet secretaries as Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) “to help ending regional and local communists.”
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078892
CHED backs review of pact limiting entry of cops, soldiers to UP
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): CHED backs review of pact limiting entry of cops, soldiers to UP
Commission on Higher Education (Ched) Chairperson Prospero de Vera. (File photo)
Commission on Higher Education (Ched) Chairperson Prospero de Vera. (File photo)
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero de Vera stressed the need to review the 30-year old agreement between the Department of National Defense and the University of the Philippines (UP) that sets rigid conditions for the entry of government security forces into its campuses, citing illegal drug problems.
“We should not expect those in the academe to become policemen. They don’t have the skills, they don’t have the training and maybe what the media should investigate is what is the capability really of the UP Police to handle the drug problem inside the campus because there are portions of the UP campus identified as areas where there is a prevalence of drugs,” de Vera said on the sidelines of the meeting with officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other higher education institutions on Tuesday.
“The PNP has better capability to do that. It can start from very basic sharing of protocols. It can be common training so that the standards of enforcement of the UP police will be up to par okay,” he added.
In 1989, UP President Jose Nemenzo and then-Secretary of the National Defense, Fidel Ramos, forged an agreement limiting the capacity and presence of police and military force in its major campuses and regional units.
In addition, the 1989 accord specifically provides that "no member of police may conduct operations on UP campuses without prior coordination with, or as requested by UP authorities".
De Vera said the first step to a good working relationship between government security forces and the academe is to establish a common set of protocols to avoid misunderstanding, including in UP.
UP students and faculties have been criticizing the plan of the police and the military to enter their campuses, saying it is a form of curtailment of academic freedom.
“What do you mean by common protocols? It can be as basic as information-sharing kasi ngayon kung talagang hindi kayo nag-uusap, wala kayong (because now, if you don't talk to each other, you won't have an) agreement,” de Vera said.
De Vera said both parties wanted to “find common ground on to work together,” as part of the CHED’s campaign for safe and healthy campuses, safe from crime and extremism.
"The relationship between the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the universities is very, very close. There is no problem in terms of coordination. There is no problem in sharing of information, in sharing of crime statistics and helping each other," de Vera added.
PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, supported De Vera’s position.
Albayalde particularly agreed with the CHED chair, who cited the “prevalence of the drug problem” in the state university and its police force’s inability to handle crime and extremism in campus.
Albayalde said the PNP “seeks to build stronger collaboration among stakeholders to protect campuses against criminal activities, drug syndicates, and shadowy organizations that promote and espouse Local Communist Armed Conflict against government thru force and violence”.
“We assure the public and the academe community that we will do our best to fulfill our sworn duty, to serve and protect. We only have the best interest of the youth backing our pure good intention to establish police presence in schools against crime, exploitation, and abuse,” he said.
Earlier, Albayalde said there is nothing wrong with student activism as long as it is expressed through lawful means and actions.
While stressing that security forces will remain tolerant of lawful activities, Albayalde said they will be firm and uncompromising in addressing acts of willful violence, disobedience, anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law.
He also reiterated that there is no militarization in universities and other campuses, as claimed by the militant groups.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078901
“We should not expect those in the academe to become policemen. They don’t have the skills, they don’t have the training and maybe what the media should investigate is what is the capability really of the UP Police to handle the drug problem inside the campus because there are portions of the UP campus identified as areas where there is a prevalence of drugs,” de Vera said on the sidelines of the meeting with officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other higher education institutions on Tuesday.
“The PNP has better capability to do that. It can start from very basic sharing of protocols. It can be common training so that the standards of enforcement of the UP police will be up to par okay,” he added.
In 1989, UP President Jose Nemenzo and then-Secretary of the National Defense, Fidel Ramos, forged an agreement limiting the capacity and presence of police and military force in its major campuses and regional units.
In addition, the 1989 accord specifically provides that "no member of police may conduct operations on UP campuses without prior coordination with, or as requested by UP authorities".
De Vera said the first step to a good working relationship between government security forces and the academe is to establish a common set of protocols to avoid misunderstanding, including in UP.
UP students and faculties have been criticizing the plan of the police and the military to enter their campuses, saying it is a form of curtailment of academic freedom.
“What do you mean by common protocols? It can be as basic as information-sharing kasi ngayon kung talagang hindi kayo nag-uusap, wala kayong (because now, if you don't talk to each other, you won't have an) agreement,” de Vera said.
De Vera said both parties wanted to “find common ground on to work together,” as part of the CHED’s campaign for safe and healthy campuses, safe from crime and extremism.
"The relationship between the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the universities is very, very close. There is no problem in terms of coordination. There is no problem in sharing of information, in sharing of crime statistics and helping each other," de Vera added.
PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, supported De Vera’s position.
Albayalde particularly agreed with the CHED chair, who cited the “prevalence of the drug problem” in the state university and its police force’s inability to handle crime and extremism in campus.
Albayalde said the PNP “seeks to build stronger collaboration among stakeholders to protect campuses against criminal activities, drug syndicates, and shadowy organizations that promote and espouse Local Communist Armed Conflict against government thru force and violence”.
“We assure the public and the academe community that we will do our best to fulfill our sworn duty, to serve and protect. We only have the best interest of the youth backing our pure good intention to establish police presence in schools against crime, exploitation, and abuse,” he said.
Earlier, Albayalde said there is nothing wrong with student activism as long as it is expressed through lawful means and actions.
While stressing that security forces will remain tolerant of lawful activities, Albayalde said they will be firm and uncompromising in addressing acts of willful violence, disobedience, anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law.
He also reiterated that there is no militarization in universities and other campuses, as claimed by the militant groups.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078901
PH to build 4 'fast attack missile craft': Navy
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): PH to build 4 'fast attack missile craft': Navy
Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
Four of the eight fast attack interdictor craft-missiles (FAIC-M), being acquired to replace the aging maritime vessels tasked for interdiction operations, will be constructed in the Philippines.
"The FAIC-Ms are important, we will be acquiring about eight, four will be outside the Philippines and the remaining four will be constructed at our naval shipyard (in Sangley Point, Cavite). (With this, we will have the capability) in the future to build our own ships," Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said in an interview at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Wednesday.
He, however, did not identify the proponent or interested bidders for the projects.
Earlier reports said four of the eight FAIC-M will be armed with non-line of sight (NLOS) missiles with ranges up to 25 kilometers and is intended to replace eight of the PN's patrol killer mediums (PKMs) and fast-attack crafts being used for interception missions.
PKMs are medium-sized naval patrol craft and are generally armed with machineguns and cannons up to 25mm, 30mm and 40mm in caliber.
In the PN, these vessels are designated as the "Tomas Batilo"-class patrol boats, of which four are still in active service out of the eight acquired from South Korea in 1995.
Earlier, Empedrad said President Rodrigo Duterte has given the green light for the acquisition of eight FAIC-Ms for PHP10 billion.
Formerly, these PKMs were operated by the Republic of Korea Navy and later transferred to the PN. These ships have a top speed of 33 knots and have a range of up to 600 nautical miles.
The FAIC-Ms will give the PN the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.
Operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078924
"The FAIC-Ms are important, we will be acquiring about eight, four will be outside the Philippines and the remaining four will be constructed at our naval shipyard (in Sangley Point, Cavite). (With this, we will have the capability) in the future to build our own ships," Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said in an interview at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Wednesday.
He, however, did not identify the proponent or interested bidders for the projects.
Earlier reports said four of the eight FAIC-M will be armed with non-line of sight (NLOS) missiles with ranges up to 25 kilometers and is intended to replace eight of the PN's patrol killer mediums (PKMs) and fast-attack crafts being used for interception missions.
PKMs are medium-sized naval patrol craft and are generally armed with machineguns and cannons up to 25mm, 30mm and 40mm in caliber.
In the PN, these vessels are designated as the "Tomas Batilo"-class patrol boats, of which four are still in active service out of the eight acquired from South Korea in 1995.
Earlier, Empedrad said President Rodrigo Duterte has given the green light for the acquisition of eight FAIC-Ms for PHP10 billion.
Formerly, these PKMs were operated by the Republic of Korea Navy and later transferred to the PN. These ships have a top speed of 33 knots and have a range of up to 600 nautical miles.
The FAIC-Ms will give the PN the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.
Operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078924
219 ex-MILF combatants finish military training as peacekeepers
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): 219 ex-MILF combatants finish military training as peacekeepers
NEW PEACEKEEPERS. A total of 219 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants complete their 26-day basic military training (BMT) in CAMP LUCERO, North Cotabato on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019. to serve as peacekeepers. The training is a requirement for them to become part of the composite Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST). (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)
CAMP LUCERO, North Cotabato – Two-hundred nineteen former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) completed their 26-day basic military training (BMT) here Tuesday (Aug. 27) to serve as peacekeepers.
The training is a requirement for the former combatants to become part of the composite Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST). The graduates will now form the 6,000-strong JPST contingent that will be composed of 3,000 MILF, 1,600 Philippine National Police (PNP), and 1,400 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) members.
The 6,000-member JPST will be divided into several teams whose main task is to maintain peace and security in the MILF communities that will undergo the normalization process within and outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Normalization Track is part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and the MILF signed in 2014.
At the heart of the Normalization Track is the decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants wherein their weapons will be put beyond use. The MILF camps will also be transformed into peaceful, progressive, and resilient communities.
The entire process is expected to be completed within a three-year period, starting this year until 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement between the government and the MILF.
On September 7, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to lead the public launching of the decommissioning process of the MILF combatants and their weapons.
Historic event
Speaking on behalf of the BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al-Hajj Murad, Minister of Finance, and Budget and Management Eduard Guerra described the graduation ceremony as a historic event for the Bangsamoro peace process.
“You are now part of history as you will be the first batch of JPST to be deployed where you will be joining your comrades from the PNP and contingents from the Army,” Guerra said.
“I am really impressed. This is beyond my expectations. You really persevered in your training. You keep that perseverance and patience in your hearts and minds,” he added.
Joint efforts as one security force
Though the participants belong to different organizations -- MILF, AFP, and PNP -- being members of the JPST has united them as one peacekeeping force.
“Wala na tayong pinagkaiba, iisa na tayo ngayon…Napakahalaga ng inyong gagawing tungkulin sa decommissioning process na magpapatuloy hanggang 2022 (We are now one. Your important role in decommissioning process which will continue until 2022),” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao province.
Lt. Gen Cirilito E. Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, emphasized the crucial role of the graduates in the peace process.
“You are now the new Ambassadors of Peace for successfully hurdling this milestone in your life. Your role will be as important as the role of every member of the security forces,” Sobejana said.
“You will help us fight against terrorism and illegal drugs so that peace will be restored in the Bangsamoro communities…I am confident enough that with our convergence, nothing is impossible,” he added.
Police Brig. Gen. Marni C. Marcos Jr., who represented the Police Regional Office of BARMM, said he considers the former MILF combatants as comrades.
“The product of our strength, sympathy, and collective efforts is now about to be realized. The stability in the Bangsamoro cannot be achieved by force…we are happy to work with our brothers from the BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces) together with our military counterparts,” Marcos said.
“We acknowledge the efforts of our President in putting eternal end to armed conflict in Bangsamoro communities…let us continue our commitments, strengthen our initiatives and the paradigm in waging peace in the BARMM,” he concluded.
Functions of JPST
Two hundred JPSTs will be created and deployed throughout Mindanao. Each team is composed of 15 MILF members, eight policemen, and seven soldiers.
The JPST will be under the oversight of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), which is composed of six officials -- one representative each from the AFP, PNP, and Government Implementing Panel, and three coming from the MILF leadership.
Aside from securing MILF communities that will undergo the decommission process, JPSTs will also help track and document private armed groups and other lawless elements, as well as “reduce and control” the proliferation of undocumented firearms in the concerned areas.
Moreover, the JPST are expected to help enforce the existing ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF, and prevent the outbreak of hostilities.
MILF-BIAF ready for Normalization Process
During the graduation ceremony, the former MILF combatants reunited with their families after their almost month-long training. The graduates were also provided with financial and food assistance.
“Masaya kaming lahat pati yung mga kasama ko na natapos na ang training namin pero hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang lahat. Dapat ay pagbutihan namin ang aming trabaho hindi lang pag-secure ng Bangsamoro kundi sa ikakabuti ng mamamayan dito sa Mindanao (We are all happy, including my comrades, for the training already ended but this is not the ultimate end. We have to do good in our task, not only in securing the Bangsamoro but for the benefit of the communities here in Mindanao),” the top graduate of the class said, who was dressed in a crisp military uniform.
Their participation in the JPSTs will make their transition to civilian life easier said another graduate.
“Napakaganda na napapanatili ang pagkakaisa at magandang pakikitungo sa bawat isa. Ito ay nagbibigay ng daan upang maging mapayapa ang ating bansa (It was really good that the solidarity and good relations among one another was maintained. This paves the way for achieving peace in our country),” he said, referring to the importance of carrying out collaborative efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the normalization process.
“Para po sa akin, napakabuti na sama-sama ang BIAF, AFP, at PNP upang magkaisa na i-secure at protektahan ang aming community, ang mga tao, at ang buong bansa (For me, it is really good that the BIAF, the AFP, and the PNP are working together to secure and protect our communities, our people, and the whole nation),” he added.
Present during the ceremony were OPAPP Assistant Secretary David Diciano, member of the Joint Normalization Committee-GPH; Ariel Hernandez, co-chair of JNC-GPH; BARMM Minister of Transportation and Communications Dickson P. Hermoso; BARMM Minister of Finance, and Budget and Management Eduard Guerra; P/Brig. Gen. Gerardo Rosales, JPSC-GPH member; Brig. Gen. Cesar De Mesa, JPSC-GPH member; Col. Primo M. Ferrer, 38IB; Col Joel Q. Mamon, PA, head, Security Unit; and Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., 602nd IB commander.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078952
NEW PEACEKEEPERS. A total of 219 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants complete their 26-day basic military training (BMT) in CAMP LUCERO, North Cotabato on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019. to serve as peacekeepers. The training is a requirement for them to become part of the composite Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST). (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)
CAMP LUCERO, North Cotabato – Two-hundred nineteen former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) completed their 26-day basic military training (BMT) here Tuesday (Aug. 27) to serve as peacekeepers.
The training is a requirement for the former combatants to become part of the composite Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST). The graduates will now form the 6,000-strong JPST contingent that will be composed of 3,000 MILF, 1,600 Philippine National Police (PNP), and 1,400 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) members.
The 6,000-member JPST will be divided into several teams whose main task is to maintain peace and security in the MILF communities that will undergo the normalization process within and outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Normalization Track is part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and the MILF signed in 2014.
At the heart of the Normalization Track is the decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants wherein their weapons will be put beyond use. The MILF camps will also be transformed into peaceful, progressive, and resilient communities.
The entire process is expected to be completed within a three-year period, starting this year until 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement between the government and the MILF.
On September 7, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to lead the public launching of the decommissioning process of the MILF combatants and their weapons.
Historic event
Speaking on behalf of the BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al-Hajj Murad, Minister of Finance, and Budget and Management Eduard Guerra described the graduation ceremony as a historic event for the Bangsamoro peace process.
“You are now part of history as you will be the first batch of JPST to be deployed where you will be joining your comrades from the PNP and contingents from the Army,” Guerra said.
“I am really impressed. This is beyond my expectations. You really persevered in your training. You keep that perseverance and patience in your hearts and minds,” he added.
Joint efforts as one security force
Though the participants belong to different organizations -- MILF, AFP, and PNP -- being members of the JPST has united them as one peacekeeping force.
“Wala na tayong pinagkaiba, iisa na tayo ngayon…Napakahalaga ng inyong gagawing tungkulin sa decommissioning process na magpapatuloy hanggang 2022 (We are now one. Your important role in decommissioning process which will continue until 2022),” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao province.
Lt. Gen Cirilito E. Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, emphasized the crucial role of the graduates in the peace process.
“You are now the new Ambassadors of Peace for successfully hurdling this milestone in your life. Your role will be as important as the role of every member of the security forces,” Sobejana said.
“You will help us fight against terrorism and illegal drugs so that peace will be restored in the Bangsamoro communities…I am confident enough that with our convergence, nothing is impossible,” he added.
Police Brig. Gen. Marni C. Marcos Jr., who represented the Police Regional Office of BARMM, said he considers the former MILF combatants as comrades.
“The product of our strength, sympathy, and collective efforts is now about to be realized. The stability in the Bangsamoro cannot be achieved by force…we are happy to work with our brothers from the BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces) together with our military counterparts,” Marcos said.
“We acknowledge the efforts of our President in putting eternal end to armed conflict in Bangsamoro communities…let us continue our commitments, strengthen our initiatives and the paradigm in waging peace in the BARMM,” he concluded.
Functions of JPST
Two hundred JPSTs will be created and deployed throughout Mindanao. Each team is composed of 15 MILF members, eight policemen, and seven soldiers.
The JPST will be under the oversight of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), which is composed of six officials -- one representative each from the AFP, PNP, and Government Implementing Panel, and three coming from the MILF leadership.
Aside from securing MILF communities that will undergo the decommission process, JPSTs will also help track and document private armed groups and other lawless elements, as well as “reduce and control” the proliferation of undocumented firearms in the concerned areas.
Moreover, the JPST are expected to help enforce the existing ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF, and prevent the outbreak of hostilities.
MILF-BIAF ready for Normalization Process
During the graduation ceremony, the former MILF combatants reunited with their families after their almost month-long training. The graduates were also provided with financial and food assistance.
“Masaya kaming lahat pati yung mga kasama ko na natapos na ang training namin pero hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang lahat. Dapat ay pagbutihan namin ang aming trabaho hindi lang pag-secure ng Bangsamoro kundi sa ikakabuti ng mamamayan dito sa Mindanao (We are all happy, including my comrades, for the training already ended but this is not the ultimate end. We have to do good in our task, not only in securing the Bangsamoro but for the benefit of the communities here in Mindanao),” the top graduate of the class said, who was dressed in a crisp military uniform.
Their participation in the JPSTs will make their transition to civilian life easier said another graduate.
“Napakaganda na napapanatili ang pagkakaisa at magandang pakikitungo sa bawat isa. Ito ay nagbibigay ng daan upang maging mapayapa ang ating bansa (It was really good that the solidarity and good relations among one another was maintained. This paves the way for achieving peace in our country),” he said, referring to the importance of carrying out collaborative efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the normalization process.
“Para po sa akin, napakabuti na sama-sama ang BIAF, AFP, at PNP upang magkaisa na i-secure at protektahan ang aming community, ang mga tao, at ang buong bansa (For me, it is really good that the BIAF, the AFP, and the PNP are working together to secure and protect our communities, our people, and the whole nation),” he added.
Present during the ceremony were OPAPP Assistant Secretary David Diciano, member of the Joint Normalization Committee-GPH; Ariel Hernandez, co-chair of JNC-GPH; BARMM Minister of Transportation and Communications Dickson P. Hermoso; BARMM Minister of Finance, and Budget and Management Eduard Guerra; P/Brig. Gen. Gerardo Rosales, JPSC-GPH member; Brig. Gen. Cesar De Mesa, JPSC-GPH member; Col. Primo M. Ferrer, 38IB; Col Joel Q. Mamon, PA, head, Security Unit; and Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., 602nd IB commander.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078952
PH, China urged to cooperate in South China Sea
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): PH, China urged to cooperate in South China Sea
BEIJING -- An expert from Renmin University said the South China Sea can be a “sea of cooperation” for the Philippines and China as the two countries have established political trust under the leaderships of President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping.
In his column in ChinaDaily on Wednesday, Renmin University Director of the Institute of International Affairs Wang Yiwei said Manila and Beijing can strengthen cooperation in the South China Sea in terms of marine technology.
“[T]he two countries could use the opportunity to foster and increase maritime cooperation given that the Philippines is short of marine technology to develop its marine economy despite having rich marine resources, while China has developed advanced technologies,” said Wang.
“In this way, conflict could be transformed into opportunity and the South China Sea turned into a sea of cooperation and friendship,” he added.
He noted that since the Duterte administration took office in June 2016, the two countries have expanded and deepened cooperation in anti-terrorism and security, apart from economic and trade cooperation.
Wang said the China-led Belt and Road Initiative presents more opportunities for cooperation between Manila and Beijing, particularly in the infrastructure and construction sector.
He added that as soon as the South China Sea Code of Conduct will be concluded, tensions in the disputed waters can be prevented so that the parties involved can focus more on cooperation than maritime conflict.
Meanwhile, Duterte is expected to arrive in Beijing this evening for his fifth visit to China since June 2016. The Chief Executive will have bilateral meetings with Xi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
He will also attend the kick-off game of Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team, for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in Guangdong Province.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078896
BEIJING -- An expert from Renmin University said the South China Sea can be a “sea of cooperation” for the Philippines and China as the two countries have established political trust under the leaderships of President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping.
In his column in ChinaDaily on Wednesday, Renmin University Director of the Institute of International Affairs Wang Yiwei said Manila and Beijing can strengthen cooperation in the South China Sea in terms of marine technology.
“[T]he two countries could use the opportunity to foster and increase maritime cooperation given that the Philippines is short of marine technology to develop its marine economy despite having rich marine resources, while China has developed advanced technologies,” said Wang.
“In this way, conflict could be transformed into opportunity and the South China Sea turned into a sea of cooperation and friendship,” he added.
He noted that since the Duterte administration took office in June 2016, the two countries have expanded and deepened cooperation in anti-terrorism and security, apart from economic and trade cooperation.
Wang said the China-led Belt and Road Initiative presents more opportunities for cooperation between Manila and Beijing, particularly in the infrastructure and construction sector.
He added that as soon as the South China Sea Code of Conduct will be concluded, tensions in the disputed waters can be prevented so that the parties involved can focus more on cooperation than maritime conflict.
Meanwhile, Duterte is expected to arrive in Beijing this evening for his fifth visit to China since June 2016. The Chief Executive will have bilateral meetings with Xi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
He will also attend the kick-off game of Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball team, for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in Guangdong Province.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078896
Palace accepts Chinese shipowner’s apology for Recto Bank mishap
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2019): Palace accepts Chinese shipowner’s apology for Recto Bank mishap
Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed that it has accepted the apology issued by the owner of the Chinese vessel which rammed into a Philippine fishing boat near the Reed Bank (Recto Bank) last June 9.
“We accept the recent apology extended by the owner of the Chinese vessel to our fishermen affected by the incident,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
“We likewise welcome the owner's humility to take responsibility and acknowledgment that compensation must be provided to cover the actual loss,” he added.
In a memorandum penned to Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. which was posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a letter from an unnamed association relayed the Chinese shipowner's apologies.
Reports showed that the letter sender came from Chen Shiquin, president of the Guangdong Fishery Mutual Insurance Association.
"It is fortunate that there were no casualties. I feel deep regret that this accident had to happen and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the Filipino fishermen. The shipowner of the Chinese fishing boat involved, through our Association, would like to express his sincere apology to the Filipino fishermen," the memorandum read.
He, however, insisted that despite the accident being “unintentional”, he noted that the Chinese vessel should take the major responsibility in the accident.
He also asked the Philippine government to file a specific appeal for civil compensation based on the actual loss of the Filipinos affected.
In his fifth trip to China from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, Duterte is expected to discuss the Recto Bank incident among other areas of concern with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Panelo said the highlight of the President's visit will be a bilateral meeting with Xi to discuss the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the Philippines and China.
He pointed out that the President also intends to discuss with Xi the crafting of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and how they can expedite its conclusion.
“The President believes that the absence of the COC that is to be observed by affected countries has caused numerous conflicts in the subject waters that could have been prevented by a document that will regulate their actions. A good example of such conflict would be the maritime incident which transpired a few months ago in Recto Bank,” Panelo said.
Panelo said Duterte is also expected to raise the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) which nullified China’s claims over the disputed waters in relation to the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
He said Duterte and Xi will discuss the conduct and framework of a possible joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
The two leaders would likewise exchange views on fast-tracking the existing big-ticket projects of China in the Philippines and improving trade relations.
The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the signing of cooperative bilateral documents and memoranda of understanding meant to strengthen ties, deepen friendship and enhance diplomacy of both countries.
After his meeting with Xi, Panelo said Duterte will proceed to Guangzhou, accompanied by Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, to watch Gilas Pilipinas in one of their scheduled games during the FIBA World Basketball World Cup.
Aside from Panelo, joining the President’s official delegation are Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero De Vera III, and Customs Commissioner Rey Guerrero.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078968
“We accept the recent apology extended by the owner of the Chinese vessel to our fishermen affected by the incident,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
“We likewise welcome the owner's humility to take responsibility and acknowledgment that compensation must be provided to cover the actual loss,” he added.
In a memorandum penned to Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. which was posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a letter from an unnamed association relayed the Chinese shipowner's apologies.
Reports showed that the letter sender came from Chen Shiquin, president of the Guangdong Fishery Mutual Insurance Association.
"It is fortunate that there were no casualties. I feel deep regret that this accident had to happen and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the Filipino fishermen. The shipowner of the Chinese fishing boat involved, through our Association, would like to express his sincere apology to the Filipino fishermen," the memorandum read.
He, however, insisted that despite the accident being “unintentional”, he noted that the Chinese vessel should take the major responsibility in the accident.
He also asked the Philippine government to file a specific appeal for civil compensation based on the actual loss of the Filipinos affected.
In his fifth trip to China from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, Duterte is expected to discuss the Recto Bank incident among other areas of concern with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Panelo said the highlight of the President's visit will be a bilateral meeting with Xi to discuss the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the Philippines and China.
He pointed out that the President also intends to discuss with Xi the crafting of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and how they can expedite its conclusion.
“The President believes that the absence of the COC that is to be observed by affected countries has caused numerous conflicts in the subject waters that could have been prevented by a document that will regulate their actions. A good example of such conflict would be the maritime incident which transpired a few months ago in Recto Bank,” Panelo said.
Panelo said Duterte is also expected to raise the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) which nullified China’s claims over the disputed waters in relation to the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
He said Duterte and Xi will discuss the conduct and framework of a possible joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
The two leaders would likewise exchange views on fast-tracking the existing big-ticket projects of China in the Philippines and improving trade relations.
The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the signing of cooperative bilateral documents and memoranda of understanding meant to strengthen ties, deepen friendship and enhance diplomacy of both countries.
After his meeting with Xi, Panelo said Duterte will proceed to Guangzhou, accompanied by Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, to watch Gilas Pilipinas in one of their scheduled games during the FIBA World Basketball World Cup.
Aside from Panelo, joining the President’s official delegation are Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero De Vera III, and Customs Commissioner Rey Guerrero.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078968
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