Volunteer Lumad teacher charged with attempted murder

From MindaNews (Jul 19, 2022): Volunteer Lumad teacher charged with attempted murder (By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN)

The volunteer Lumad teacher is temporarily detained at Station 1 of the Butuan City Police Office after his arrest in Tandag City on Sunday as he is facing attempted murder charges.

Image from Karapatan Caraga Facebook page

Maj. Jennifer Ometer, Public Information Officer of Police Regional Office 13 Caraga, said that based on the case documents, Campos was charged after he was seen joining with alleged New People’s Army rebels in an ambush on November 16, 2016, in Barangay Sto. Niño in Bayugan City.

Ometer said it was unclear what Army unit lodged the complaint against Campos since it was not mentioned in the warrant of arrest.

Campos will be transferred to the detention cell in Bayugan City since the issuing judge of the arrest warrant, Judge Fernando Fudalan of Regional Trial Court Branch 7, is based there.

Campos, who graduated with an education degree at St. Theresa College in Tandag City, was on his way to a review center to prepare for the upcoming licensure examination for teachers when he was arrested at 1 p.m. Sunday, according to the human rights group Karapatan-Caraga.

Karapatan believed this is yet another case of trumped-up charges to harass activists.

In a press statement, Karapatan reported that Campos was still able to contact his friends around 8 p.m. Sunday, where he said he was calling from the police station in Butuan and was arrested earlier that day and presented with a warrant of arrest.

Campos, a Lumad Manobo, graduated from the Lumad school Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) for his elementary and secondary years. He finished his education degree with the help of the Indigenous Peoples Apostolate (IPA) scholarship program of the Diocese of Tandag.

He had volunteered as a teacher at TRIFPSS upon graduation with an intent to serve and give back to his community what knowledge he had gained, Karapatan said. He had also volunteered to teach at a local school in Tandag City under the Department of Education, the group added.

Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro condemned the arrest and called for his release.

“Teacher Gary is a teacher-leader who stood up for the rights of the Lumads, their rights to education and their rights to their ancestral lands,” the lawmaker said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/07/volunteer-lumad-teacher-charged-with-attempted-murder/

76 NPA members neutralized this year

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 18, 2022): 76 NPA members neutralized this year (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division reported to have neutralized 76 members of the New People’s Army in Negros and Panay Islands, who were either killed or captured in gunbattles, or surrendered to the authorities, this year from January up to July 14.

At the same time, the 25 encounters initiated by various infantry units of 3ID also resulted in the seizure of firearms, among other war materials.

The latest encounter was on July 14 where combined units of the 15th and 47th Infantry Battalions figured in a clash with about 10 NPA rebels in Sitio Hanot, Barangay Inayawan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, that resulted in the recovery of a caliber .45 pistol and an improvised explosive device (IED), among other materials.

A week earlier, four suspected NPA rebels died in an encounter in Brgy. Santol Binalbagan, while a top-ranking female rebel leader was also captured, military records show.

That encounter was preceded by the surrender to the 94th Infantry Battalion of 19 rebel combatants of Central Negros 2, who are comrades of the four rebels slain in Binalbagan.

In a statement, Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, lauded the local populace for giving correct and timely information to the operating troops.

“The willingness of the local populace in helping the soldiers by giving noteworthy information on the whereabouts of these NPA terrorists is a great help to our continuous campaign to end local communist armed conflict in Negros Island,” Arevalo said.

In recognition of the bravery and boldness of the operating troops for pressing the fight, to sustain just and lasting peace on the Island of Negros, Arevalo awarded Military Merit Medals to 36 soldiers of the 94IB, and four police personnel, for the neutralization of four rebels during the Binalbagan encounter.

Similar medals were also given to 20 members of the 79th Infantry Battalion for the capture of a second highest leader of the dismantled Northern Negros, and Bronze Cross Medals for six women soldiers of 94IB, for the surrender of rebel combatants.

https://visayandailystar.com/76-npa-members-neutralized-this-year/

Ex-rebel joins soldiers bolstering NegOr's anti-insurgency drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): Ex-rebel joins soldiers bolstering NegOr's anti-insurgency drive (By Mary Judaline)

INSURGENCY WAR. A total of 18 new soldiers arrive at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Battalion in Negros Oriental to boost the fight against insurgency on Monday (July 18, 2022). One of the soldiers is a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army who had previously surrendered and gone through some processes before enlistment. (Photo courtesy of the 11IB, PA)

The 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental welcomed the arrival of more troops to fight insurgency and promote peace and development in the province.

A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who has become a full-fledged soldier was among the 18 servicemen that arrived at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Salag, Siaton on Monday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11IB commanding officer, said on Tuesday the ex-NPA rebel had gone through the right processes before enlistment.

“We gave the new enlisted personnel with the rank of 'private' a welcome ceremony as part of the Philippine Army’s tradition to make them feel that they are now officially a part of our family,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.

Salayo declined to give details about the former rebel, saying it might compromise their operations and for security reasons.

He, however, said the former rebel will be a big boost to the operations to prevent the NPA’s Southeast Front (SEF) recovery efforts.

The SEF, operating in the south and central Negros Oriental, was declared dismantled by the military with only a handful of its members remaining, but Salayo said efforts to regain their mass base continue in the hinterlands.

One of the newly-assigned soldiers to the 11IB is also from Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental, where some of its barangays are still affected by the insurgency, Salayo said.

“The new soldiers will also support our campaign in line with the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency,” he said.

Salayo stressed the need to sustain the collaboration and coordination with the local government officials on the development of their respective areas to improve basic services and improve the economic status of Negros Oriental to prevent the people from joining the underground movement.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179279

NPA rebel wanted for rape nabbed in Camarines Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): NPA rebel wanted for rape nabbed in Camarines Norte (By Connie Calipay)

Bicol Region's seventh most wanted, an alleged New People's Army (NPA) member who is also wanted for rape charges, was arrested in Camarines Norte over the weekend.

In a statement on Tuesday, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, said that suspect, Arjay Jalandoni, 35, was nabbed by operatives of San Jose Panganiban Police Station during the service of a warrant of arrest at his hideout in the said town.

Jalandoni is listed as the region's seventh most wanted person. His arrest warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 5 in Daet, Camarines Norte.

"He is also tagged as Rank 8 provincial most wanted person in Camarines Norte and at the same time, Rank 4 municipal most wanted person of Jose Panganiban," Calubaquib said.

She added that based on information gathered, the suspect is an active member of the NPA and is facing two counts of rape charges in violation of Republic Act 7610, the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act”, with no bail recommended.

According to the record, Jalandoni molested and sexually abused a minor in Jose Panganiban town in December last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179249

Former rebels become soldiers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 19, 2022): Former rebels become soldiers (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Former RPA-ABB members Jogie Siplao and Vincent de la Cruz (right to left) are now regular Army soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division.* PA photo

Being former enemies of the country, serving in the Philippine Army was a great realization for Private Vincent Dela Cruz of Barangay Daga, Cadiz, City, Negros Occidental and Private Jogie Siplao of Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.

From former members of Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB), a breakaway faction of the New People’s Army, the two former rebels are now full-fledged government soldiers.

Pvts. Dela Cruz and Siplao, who recently finished their seven month-long training, were former members of RPM-P/RPA-ABB in the 2nd District of Negros Occidental.

They are among the 181 neophyte soldiers who graduated from a 7-month rigorous basic military training at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, on July 14.

On September 19, 2019, former President Rodrigo Duterte led the formal demilitarization of the former RPM-P/RPA-ABB combatants in Jamindan, Capiz.

Dela Cruz and Siplao belong to the special quota of Candidate Soldiers ‘MAILAP’ Class 689-2021.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said that the two former rebels-turned Army soldiers would inspire and motivate other youth inside the NPA to return to the folds of the law and serve the country in a significant way.

“I am happy that these former members of the armed movement finally realized that a brighter future is waiting for (sic) them outside the organization, and it makes a big difference,” Arevalo said.

Meanwhile, Ka Berber, a former squad leader of the New People’s Army, is now a regular member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, according to Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion commander.

Almonte said that Ka Berber, who was recruited to join the NPA at the age of 17, surrendered to the 94IB in August 23 last year after his realization that the ideals taught to them were different to what was happening on the ground.

While he was still a squad leader of an NPA unit in central Negros, Almonte recalled that Ka Berber figured in several armed skirmishes with 94IB and 62IB soldiers.

https://visayandailystar.com/former-rebels-become-soldiers/

Girl slain in NPA-Army clash in Batangas

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 19, 2022): Girl slain in NPA-Army clash in Batangas (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

A 9-year-old girl died during an encounter Monday between alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and the military in Taysan town in Batangas province, the police reported Tuesday.

The Batangas police said the girl was herding goats when hit “by a bullet from an unknown direction,” as rebels were retreating from Army troops after a three-minute firefight around noon in Barangay Guinhawa.

The victim was taken to the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City but died on the way.

The police and military forces were pursuing the guerrillas.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1630428/girl-slain-in-npa-army-clash-in-batangas

4 ASG members shun violence, embrace peace, yield to 18th IB in Basilan

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 18, 2022): 4 ASG members shun violence, embrace peace, yield to 18th IB in Basilan (By Bonita Ermac)

Four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members surrendered to the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Lamitan City, Basilan, Saturday, July 16.

FOUR Abu Sayyaf members embraced peace and surrendered to the government in Lamitan City, Basilan.

They handed over M1 Garand rifles and one Carbine.

The former violent extremists said that they surrendered because they want to live a peaceful life with their families away from danger.

They also said that they were encouraged to lay down their arms after learning that their former colleagues are already undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway attributed their successful surrender to the collaborative efforts of the 18th IB and police units in Al-Barka, Tuburan, and Tipo-Tipo, Basilan where the surrenderers reside.

JTF-Basilan reported that 22 ASG members have surrendered in the province since the year started, bringing the number of surrenderers to 85 in the different JTFs of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command so far this year.

Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said they will not rest until the last terrorist will be neutralized either peacefully or forcefully.

“We will also continue to process former rebels and violent extremists (FRs and FVEs), in partnership with other government units, for their rehabilitation and reintegration programs,” he said.

Rosario said that one of the reasons for the continuing surrender of ASG members in Basilan is the massive implementation of projects by the provincial government that brought livelihood opportunities.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/18/4-asg-members-shun-violence-embrace-peace-yield-to-18th-ib-in-basilan/

6 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 16, 2022): 6 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender

ZAMBOANGA. Six Abu Sayyaf bandits are currently undergoing process to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) after they surrender amid the military offensive against them in Sulu. A photo handout shows the Abu Sayyaf surrenderers wearing white shirts with marking 'kalis' posed for sourvenir pictorial with military officials. (SunStar Zamboanga).

SIX Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered amid the military offensive against them in the province of Sulu, the military reported Saturday, July 16, 2022.

Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division commander, said the six Abu Sayyaf bandits have been undergoing process to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

Patrimonio said they turned over high-powered firearms when they surrendered Monday, July 11, to the 1103rd Infantry Brigade in Bonbong village, Patikul, Sulu.

He said the oldest among the Abu Sayyaf surrenderers is 47 years old and the youngest is aged 25. They belonged to different sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

One of the Abu Sayyaf surrenderers identified as abu Ben decided to surrender because he is “tired of always being on the run” hiding from government forces and longing for his family.

Abu Ben said he had been with the Abu Sayyaf Group for 11 years.

Brigadier General Benjamin Batara, Jr., commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade, said that the collaborative efforts of the Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-Elac) of Patikul with the military and the community had been able to convinced the six Abu Sayyaf bandits to surrender and avail the government’s program.

Since January 2022, a total of 75 Abu Sayyaf members voluntarily surrendered to Joint Task Force-Sulu, bringing along with them 60 firearms.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1935161/zamboanga/local-news/6-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender

PH, US Marines hold 5-day specialized helicopter drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18, 2022): PH, US Marines hold 5-day specialized helicopter drills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of PMC

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the US Marine Corps (USMC) will conduct specialized helicopter drills from July 18 to 22.

PMC spokesperson Maj. Emery Torres, in a statement Sunday night, said these exercises are the second part of the Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 2022.

The first phase of the exercises took place from June 6 to 17.

"The second part of MASA 2022 between the PMC and USMC will be conducted in Zambales and Taguig City from July 18 to 22, 2022. This will include helicopter rope suspension training and aeromedical evacuation training," he added.

The PMC and USMC are expected to execute and refine their tactics, techniques, and procedures for interoperability.

The first part of MASA 2022 took place in Palawan and included a combined joint forward arming and refueling demonstration, and a lecture on unmanned air systems operations.

Four C-17 transport aircraft of the US Air Force arrived in Laoag City on June 6 along with a US C-130 cargo plane that landed on June 7 carrying personnel and equipment for the second leg of the exercise from July 18 to 22.

This series will feature lectures on sensor operations, air surveillance, air defense, and high-mobility artillery rocket system infiltration.

The MASA 22 also includes integrated and joint interoperability activities, such as coastal defense forward arming and refueling and subject matter exchanges for unmanned aviation systems and engineering with participants from the Naval Air Wing of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179140

80 kids benefit from PH Army's Covid-19 vax drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18, 2022): 80 kids benefit from PH Army's Covid-19 vax drive (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday announced that some 80 minor dependents of its personnel received coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) jabs during its pediatric vaccination drive last July 14 to 15.

PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the PA's vaccination drive covers children aged 5 to 11 and is in line with government efforts to ramp up Covid-19 vaccination.

He added that the beneficiaries were inoculated at the Army General Hospital (AGH) at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.

"A total of 80 children aged 5 to 11 years old received their primary dose in the two-day pediatric vaccination drive, the third installment of AGH’s inoculation efforts for military dependents," Trinidad said.

Some 1,200 PA dependents were vaccinated during the first two vaccination activities last May.

AGH commanding officer Col. Jonna Dalaguit, a pediatrician, said, in an earlier interview, the vaccination drive will significantly reduce symptomatic and severe Covid-19 infections among the pediatric population aged 5 to 11 years old.

“Vaccines are the best preventive medicine to protect children from possible Covid-19 infection,” she added.

Dalaguit also assured parents of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179141

Danao slams Reds’ peace talks bid amid latest ambush vs. cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18, 2022): Danao slams Reds’ peace talks bid amid latest ambush vs. cops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. (Screengrab from PNP Facebook live video)

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. slammed the audacity of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to push for the revival of peace talks following an ambush that killed a police officer in Samar.

“You (CPP-NPA) are now talking about peace talks. Anong klaseng peace talks yan? Alam niyo kung puwede lang baligtarin, ako ang a-ambush mismo sa inyo sa totoo lang. Nakakasama ng loob. Alam niyo itong yung mga statement na ayaw ko sana sabihin kasi nakakaiyak (What kind of peace talks is that? If only things can be reversed, I will be the one who will ambush you. It's heartbreaking. These are the statements that I actually don't want to say because these make me cry)," Danao said during Monday's flag-raising rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

This came after 10 NPA members opened fire on police officers during a humanitarian activity at the boundary of Barangay San Nicolas in San Jose de Buan town, and Barangay Mabuhay in Gandara town last July 16.

The police retaliated which resulted in a five-minute gunfight until the communist rebels withdrew and fled towards the northeast of the encounter site.

A rookie police officer, Pat. Mark Monge, died in the ensuing encounter.

Danao chided the communist terrorist group for their “senseless and heartless acts’’ that targeted cops holding a community development program.

“Kapag kayo ang gagawa ng kalokohan, walang human rights pero kapag pulis ang pinatay niyo wala rin human rights (When you commit wrongdoings, there are no human rights, but when you kill the police, there are no human rights too). Our people there trying to give assistance to those who are in need, medical assistance in whatever capacity that they can do (but) unfortunately, you ambushed them,” Danao said.

Danao, meanwhile, condoled with the family of the slain police officer.

"May the soul of Pat. Mark Monge rest in peace who offered a supreme sacrifice in maintaining the tranquility of our great nation,” he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179148

Decriminalizing libel to result in chaos: NTF ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18, 2022): Decriminalizing libel to result in chaos: NTF ELCAC (By Marita Moaje)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) opposed a bill filed before the House of Representatives seeking to decriminalize libel.

"Decriminalizing libel will result in an unbridled exercise of freedom of expression that will no longer allow for any form of legal restraint,” NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Legal Affairs Prosecutor 2 Flosemer Chris Gonzales said in a statement on Sunday. "Anything in excess will result in chaos."

On Friday, Makabayan Block led by ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, together with Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel filed House Bill (HB) 1769 seeking to decriminalize libel through amendments to the Revised Penal Code.

The proponents of the bill seek to repeal Articles 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 360, and 361 of the Revised Penal Code, which, in effect, would lift criminal penalties against persons accused of libel.

Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code defines libel as “a public and malicious imputation of a crime or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is already dead.”

Castro said penalizing libel and cyber libel “cast a chilling effect over the exercise of free expression online”, citing the recent affirmation by the Court of Appeals of the guilty verdict against Nobel Peace laureate Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher Rey Santos.

Gonzales said rendering libel ineffective is opening the door to chaos and excesses in the exercise of free speech and press freedom.

"Libel prevents excesses in the exercise of freedom of expression and of freedom of the press,” he said.

He added that the proposed bill "per se, is not beneficial to the Filipino people.

“It may, however, be beneficial to those who have pending petitions before the appellate courts after they have been found guilty for committing the crime of libel. But aside from these people, no one else is bound to benefit from the decriminalization of libel,” Gonzales said.

The country’s penal laws that include libel, Gonzales said, are essential to the preservation of and maintenance of orderly conduct in a democratic society.

He added that libel punishes abuses committed by any citizen and by journalists who go overboard in the discharge of their functions while protecting the innocent from being maligned and vilified by those who have the means to do so.

“We want to have a media that is responsible, decent, and truthful. A media that is not biased, slanted, and works only to promote the interests of a group with ulterior motives,” Gonzales said. “We want accountability for those who purvey fake news and untruthful statements particularly if it is prejudicial to the Filipino people.”

The NTF-ELCAC, Gonzales said, stands for the truth and it will not allow truth to be compromised by allowing the decriminalization of libel.

Gonzales also called on members of the 19th Congress to strike down House Bill No. 1769 that "will not serve the best interests of the Filipino people."

The NTF-ELCAC also called on the Filipino people to continue to stand for the attainment of a just and lasting peace by ending the local communist armed conflict.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179157

PBBM order to secure PH territory trickles down to defense sector

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): PBBM order to secure PH territory trickles down to defense sector (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Like previous commanders-in-chief before him, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. vowed to "defend every square inch of the country's territory".

In this regard, the Department of National Defense (DND) has a vital role in protecting the country’s territories and upholding its sovereignty.

While going to war is not an option, the Philippines has made significant gains in terms of upgrading its territorial defense capability through the acquisition of military assets and escalation of maritime patrols to combat the threat of terrorism and prevent incursions that may ignite tensions.

The Marcos administration is expected to take over the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, which is now about to enter its Third Horizon from 2023 to 2028.

The AFP Modernization Program's Horizon Two is scheduled for 2018 to 2022 while Horizon One covered the years 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, and two strategic sealift vessels, among others.

Boosting aerial defense

On July 1, Marcos expressed his support for a modernized AFP when he attended the 75th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

In his message, the President vowed to continue the ongoing defense initiatives to enable the PAF to keep the country "free, progressive, and secured”.

"The ongoing defense modernization effort is in coordination with the basic prerequisites that would complement this administration's vision for a stronger, bigger, and effective air force, capable of defending and maintaining our sovereign state and of assisting our people in times of dire consequences and today's reality," he said.

The President added that he will seek further improvement of the aerial and surveillance capabilities of the PAF, considering that the Philippines has territorial disputes with other countries.

He vowed to equip the PAF with additional "state-of-the-art" fighter planes and arm it with more firepower.

"The enhancement of the PAF's capabilities is one of the top priorities of this administration. A more modern aerial and surveillance capability is all the more felt, given the territorial disputes that we in the Philippines are involved in," the Chief Executive added.

The Air Force, meanwhile, lauded the President's announcements and vowed to coordinate and work with the new administration to ensure that the service's modernization will continue without fail.

Some of the modern air assets acquired by the Philippine Air Force. (Screengrab from RTVM video)

"We will continue to work, and help the new leadership make the pronouncement a reality, our Technical Working Group is working round the clock to be able to present viable projects and solutions to challenges for the PAF modernization," PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

He added that these preparations will allow senior military and defense leaders to make a decision on the PAF's modernization requirements.

"(Preparing these viable projects and solutions will) make it ready for senior AFP/DND senior leadership decisions," Mariano said.

Mariano earlier said the PAF is currently in the process of choosing between the latest model of the American-made Lockheed Martin F-16s and the Swedish-made Saab JAS-39 for its multi-role fighter (MRF) project.

While the project has been approved by the past administration, the PAF said funds have yet to be allocated for it.

PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. said the deal for the MRF project may be signed this year.

The project also requires 12 MRFs at least capable of patrolling the country's protected waters and airspace.

The MRF is part of Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, which aims to acquire more equipment for external defense.

Maritime territorial defense

The Marcos administration will also see the fruition of the Philippines’ offshore patrol vessel (OPV) deal with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The PHP30-billion deal signed by former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana and HHI vice chairperson and president Sam Hyun Ka last June 28 seeks to provide six OPVs to the Philippine Navy (PN).

OPV DEAL. Former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) and HHI vice chairperson and president Sam Hyun Ka (right) shake hands following the signing of the contract for the acquisition of six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Philippine Navy in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on June 27, 2022. The OPVs are expected to replace the World War II surface assets decommissioned by the PN. (Photo courtesy of DND)

The OPV project aims to further enhance the maritime patrol capabilities of the PN and includes technology transfer, particularly human engineering operators and maintenance training of equipment, operations training, technical publications and manuals.

Last June 16, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released initial funding of PHP3 billion for the OPV project under Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)-BMD-D-22-0004970.

Taking cue from Marcos’ marching orders, DND officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. vowed to continue the initiatives started by Lorenzana, who left behind a legacy of jumpstarting the military’s modernization.

Under Lorenzana’s watch, the military has acquired several high-end military equipment like the two Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates, two AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters, 16 S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, and six A-29B "Super Tucano" attack aircraft.

He also discussed his priorities such as defending the nation’s territorial integrity, protecting the Filipino people and ensuring state sovereignty.

During his first official visit to the Puerto Princesa, Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) last July 14, Faustino also assured the continuity of all infrastructure projects of the command under the “Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad" (TIKAS) Convergence Program of the DND and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

WESCOM VISIT. Defense department officer in charge, Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., meets with ranking officials of the Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Thursday (July 14, 2022). Faustino assured the continuity of all infrastructure projects of Wescom under the TIKAS Convergence Program of the departments of defense and public works. (Photo courtesy of Wescom)

"We will prioritize mission essential infrastructures in all Philippine-held islands in the Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine Sea," he added.

During his visit, Faustino met with Wescom commander Vice Adm. Alberto B. Carlos Jr. and ranking officials and reiterated the guidance of President Marcos.

"We will ensure the smooth implementation of our modernization program in order to strengthen the protection of our sovereignty, defense of our territorial integrity, and ensure the continuity of our peaceful way of life. Indeed, the future will be so bright with us working in unity, manifested by our consistent and synergized actions," he added.

He also called his posting to the DND an honor and expressed his appreciation for the warm response of its officials and employees to his appointment.

Faustino, a retired AFP chief-of-staff, will assume office as defense secretary on Nov. 13, after the one-year appointment ban on retired military officials.

He retired as AFP chief after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 12, 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179138

PH Army to get more disaster relief equipment from Japan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): PH Army to get more disaster relief equipment from Japan (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MORE AID. Japan's Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Tsuyohito Iwamoto (center) greets troops of the Philippine Army's 525th Engineer Combat "Mandirigtas” Battalion troops in Fort Bonifacio on Monday (July 18, 2022). Iwamoto reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to helping beef up the PA's disaster response capabilities. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army (PA) is expected to get more humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) equipment from the Japanese government which will beef up its disaster response capabilities.

Japan Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Tsuyohito Iwamoto made this commitment to the PA during his visit to the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion (525ECB) in Fort Bonifacio on Monday.

"Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense of Japan Vice Minister Tsuyohito Iwamoto reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to helping beef up the PA’s disaster response capabilities during his visit to the 525ECB headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on July 18, 2022," Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday.

The 525ECB is the Army's premier disaster-response unit.

He added that the Japanese official's visit to the 525ECB and equipment inspection came nine months after Tokyo donated PHP51 million worth of water-search-and-rescue (WASAR) collapsed structure search-and-rescue (CSSR), and crushed vehicle extrication and rescue equipment to the PA.

The donation took place in October of last year.

This was followed by a week-long WASAR and CSSR training drill between 525ECB disaster-response teams and their Japanese counterparts in November 2021.

"The said donation forms part of Japan’s 'Non-Project Grant Aid for Provision of Japanese Disaster Reduction Equipment' to the Philippines which was formalized by both countries in March 2015," Trinidad said.

Meanwhile, 525ECB commander Lt. Col. Carlo Ganancial said the Japanese donation helped his troops enhance their skills that will enable them to save more lives during natural calamities, accidents, or other emergencies.

A capability demonstration showcasing the disaster-response skills of 525ECB personnel capped Iwamoto's visit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179232

Japan willing to help in AFP capability upgrade program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2022): Japan willing to help in AFP capability upgrade program (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Japan Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Tsuyohito Iwamoto (left) and DND officer-in-charge, Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. (right) (Photo courtesy of DND)

A ranking Japanese defense official has reiterated his country's commitment to helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its ongoing capability upgrade program.

Japan Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Tsuyohito Iwamoto made this remark in a courtesy call on Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. on Monday.

The two officials discussed overall Philippines-Japan defense relations and regional security concerns.

During their meeting, Faustino recalled the successful conduct of the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) between the Philippines and Japan last April.

"In relation to this, both officials reaffirmed the outcomes of the 2+2 meeting, such as the further development of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) cooperation and collaboration on transfer of defense equipment. Japan also expressed willingness to contribute and assist the AFP in its capability-upgrade program," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

The two officials also reaffirmed that respect for international law and rules-based order are essential in maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS).

Meanwhile, Iwamoto noted that the meeting is a manifestation of the two countries’ growing bilateral strategic partnership. Iwamoto visited the Philippines last July 17 to 18 and his itinerary includes courtesy calls on key Philippine defense and military officials.

"As to multilateral cooperation, both sides look forward to dialogue among the Philippines, Japan, and other partners, as well as a continuous collaboration under the auspices of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus," Andolong said.

Iwamoto also congratulated Faustino and mentioned that he looks forward to his appointment as DND chief this November.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179233