US, PH to expand maritime security cooperation apart from joint patrols

Posted to Panay News (May 5, 2023: US, PH to expand maritime security cooperation apart from joint patrols

WASHINGTON D.C., United States — The Philippines and the United States will expand cooperation on maritime security that will not just be limited to joint patrols.

According to a fact sheet released by the US Department of Defense on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time), the goal is to expand cooperation on maritime security and maritime domain awareness for the deepening of interoperability.

This, it said, involves the continued conduct of combined maritime activities,” including but not limited to joint patrols.”

In February, the Philippines and the United States agreed to restart joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea.

The following month, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it is in the process of crafting guidelines for the conduct of joint maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea, including joint patrols.

The fact sheet from the US Department of Defense likewise indicated that cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) should also be fortified to strengthen interoperability, including through infrastructure improvements; enhanced joint use of facilities; advancement of additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities; and rotational US access to Agreed Locations.

It said that the US and the Philippines likewise emphasized the need to reaffirm commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty to address both current and emerging threats.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the decades-old treaty should evolve amid the developing security situation in the region. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

https://www.panaynews.net/us-ph-to-expand-maritime-security-cooperation-apart-from-joint-patrols/

10 former rebels get DSWD financial aid

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4, 2023): 10 former rebels get DSWD financial aid (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Ten former members of the New People’s Army availed of P10,500 financial assistance each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, facilitated by the 94th Infantry Battalion.

Mayor Benjie Miranda, who used to be an Army soldier assigned at the 78th Infantry Battalion, led the awarding of financial assistance to former rebels, in a ceremony held at 94IB Alpha Company headquarters in Brgy. Camingawan, Kabankalan City, on May 2.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Cyril Ramos disclosed that the P10,000 financial aid is only an initial assistance, as they are entitled to receive more benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of DSWD.

The city government of Kabankalan also provided them with boxes of goods and hygiene kits.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said he hopes that the assistance will provide former rebels with the means to start a new life and contribute to the progress of their community.

Miranda, in his speech during the turnover rites, said that the city government of Kabankalan committed to provide them with necessary assistance as they reintegrate into mainstream society.

https://visayandailystar.com/10-former-rebels-get-dswd-financial-aid/

Renewed skirmishes rock Himamaylan hinterlands

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4, 2023): Renewed skirmishes rock Himamaylan hinterlands (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Armed skirmishes between Army soldiers and suspected New People’s Army rebels ensued at about 5 p.m. yesterday in Sitio Paloypoy, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Initial reports from the police indicate that eight families residing near the encounter site have evacuated to safer grounds.

The encounter was confirmed by the Himamaylan City police.

There were reports that the running gun battle has made it to Brgy. Hilamonan, Kabankalan City.

However, there were no reports if there were injuries or casualties among the fleeing rebels.

https://visayandailystar.com/renewed-skirmishes-rock-himamaylan-hinterlands/

NPA rebel killed, 2 soldiers injured in renewed gun battle

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 5, 2023): NPA rebel killed, 2 soldiers injured in renewed gun battle (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Police and CIS volunteers unload relief goods from a rescue vehicle, for distribution by Himamaylan City CSWDO personnel to families affected by the armed encounters.* PNP photo

Another armed skirmish ensued on Wednesday in Sitio Ulo-Tuburan, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, claiming the life of a New People’s Army rebel while causing injuries to two Army soldiers.

A woman resident of the place was also hit by a stray bullet.

Capt. Raymart Africa, acting Civil Military Operations officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, yesterday said that 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers responded to reports of residents on the presence of armed rebels roaming around and engaging in extortion activities, victimizing residents of the barangay and neighboring Brgy. Hilamonan in Kabankalan City.

Africa said that 94IB soldiers managed to catch up and engage an estimated 15 rebels, believed to be members of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of the Central Negros 2 under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, in an approximately 20-minute firefight.

The fleeing rebels left behind their slain companion, whose identity has not yet been established as of press time. Army soldiers scouring the encounter site also recovered an M653 automatic assault rifle with a magazine containing ammunition, assorted ammunition for M14 rifle, 12-gauge shotgun, and .38 caliber revolver, among other personal items, assorted foodstuff, and subversive documents.

With the help of the Himamaylan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the local police, the remains of slain rebel were retrieved from the encounter site and brought it to a funeral parlor for identification by family members, Africa said.

Both the injured woman and two Army soldiers are now being treated for their injuries in a hospital.

Sixty-five families who evacuated from their respective homes in the sitio are now staying at the covered court of Brgy. Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, which is close to their place.

The city governments of Himamaylan and Kabankalan immediately dispatched their respective social workers and health personnel, who also brought relief goods for distribution to the affected families, and even provided them with tents to sleep in.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said that the affected families will temporarily remain in the evacuation center, pending the clearing of the encounter site and neighboring areas.

Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda, who also visited the evacuation center, was joined by the Philippine National Red Cross volunteers.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-rebel-killed-2-soldiers-injured-in-renewed-gun-battle/

Air strikes launched vs Dawlah Islamiya in Maguindanao

Posted to MindaNews (May 2, 2023): Air strikes launched vs Dawlah Islamiya in Maguindanao (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 2 May)—The military has launched air strikes and ground assaults on a suspected lair of the Dawlah Islamiya in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur dawn on Tuesday.

Municipality of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur. Map courtesy of Google

Residents of Barangay Magaslong and neighboring villages in Datu Piang were awakened by the strong rumbling sounds of attack helicopters and fighter jets after government troops launched the offensive attacks aimed at Dawlah Islamiya “bomb couriers.”

The military said it was part of the ongoing manhunt operation against the terrorist group behind the bombing of a bus in Sultan Kudarat province two weeks ago.

“This is a follow up operations against those behind the Isulan bus bombing,” Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, told reporters Monday.

Pangcog said based on intelligence information, they monitored the group gathering and apparently planning again to launch terror attacks.

“We received information that they met at the target place so we made this operation,” he added.

Pangcog said the area is far from the civilian populace and thus no evacuation took place.

It was followed by artillery attacks using 105mm Howitzers.

Following the pre-dawn strike, Pangcog said clearing operations by ground troops are ongoing.

“We could not say as yet if there were casualties,” he said.

Mellan Sayutin, women and children advocate for Moro civil society groups and resident of nearby town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, said via Messenger that residents have not yet recovered from the trauma due to the infighting between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters last week, and then reliving the experience so soon after.

“Imagine we were awakened again because of the loud disturbing sounds. How can our children grow healthy in this environment? How can we have normal lives when we have not yet recovered our recent losses?” she lamented.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of Army’s Sixth “Kampilan” Division and Joint Task Force Central, said that before last month’s bus bombing in Isulan, they also monitored the movement of the group and immediately launched an operation in the borders of Pagalungan and Datu Montawal, Maguindnao del Sur and Pikit, Cotabato that resulted in the recovery of eight assembled IEDs from a temporary encampment of the group.

But he said that some of the IEDs were already smuggled in before the soldiers could intercept them.

In a follow-up operation, Riller said they managed to kill one of the suspects and apprehended his cohort.

“It’s not everyday that you can escape the authorities. We will get you one by one,” Rillera warned the terror group. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/05/air-strikes-launched-vs-dawlah-islamiya-in-maguindanao/

Crisis Group: Hasten decommissioning of MILF fighters, dismantle private armies for Bangsamoro peace deal to progress

Posted to MindaNews (May 3, 2023): Crisis Group: Hasten decommissioning of MILF fighters, dismantle private armies for Bangsamoro peace deal to progress (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 3 May) – With two years before the 2025 parliamentary elections and the end of the transition period in the Bangsamoro region, the national and regional governments need to speed up the decommissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels and the dismantling of private armed groups (PAGs) maintained by local political elites, among others, to ensure the success of the peace process in Mindanao, the independent International Crisis Group (Crisis Group) said.

MILF combatants at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. MindaNews file photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

In a 44-page report titled “Southern Philippines: Making Peace Stick in the Bangsamoro” released Monday, Crisis Group noted that “with only two years before the 2025 election season kicks off, time is running out to achieve the peace deal’s goals.”

“The paramount goals are for national and regional authorities to defuse local conflicts, ensure that MILF rebels continue to hand in their weapons, support their full transition to civilian life and disarm the ubiquitous clan militias,” Crisis Group said.

“The closer authorities get to these objectives, the smoother the path will be toward the 2025 parliamentary elections, and successful completion of the decades-long effort to bring peace and autonomy to the Bangsamoro,” it added.

For the first time, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will hold its first parliamentary elections in 2025, simultaneous with the national and local elections.

The BARMM was supposed to hold its first parliamentary election in May 2022, but was postponed by former President Rodrigo Duterte through Republic Act No. 11593.

The postponement effectively extended the mandate of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) for three more years up to 2025. The BTA is the body tasked to govern the Bangsamoro region, which was created in 2019 following the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM.

Georgi Engelbrecht, Crisis Group Philippines senior analyst and author of the report, stressed the need for the different stakeholders to work to fully realize and sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

“A model for what can be achieved through an inclusive and democratic effort to resolve a longstanding conflict, the Bangsamoro deal must not be allowed to fail—both for those who benefit from it, and those who stand to emulate it,” Engelbrecht said on Messenger.

He pointed out that at present, threats to the Bangsamoro peace process are coming from within such as community disputes, clan feuds and intra-MILF clashes, which, according to him, should not be overlooked.

“For lasting peace to take hold, national and interim regional authorities must quell violent instability and speed up elements of the peace process that are behind schedule,” he added.

In its report, Crisis Group said that a successful Bangsamoro peace process “would of course be most keenly felt in the region, but its symbolism would likely resonate beyond the Philippines, given the extent to which the Bangsamoro has become an example of a negotiated, democratic approach to addressing long-term conflict.”

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which provides for the creation of a Bangsamoro region, was signed by the Philippine government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

Under the almost one year administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Crisis Group noted that the Bangsamoro peace process, despite many obstacles, is progressing—and facing perils as well.

It noted the “biggest risk now is that lingering hindrances—such as issues related to decommissioning of MILF fighters and local violence—will hobble the peace effort.”

“Rather than allowing themselves to be hamstrung by these issues, Manila and the interim authority should work cooperatively, creatively and in the spirit of compromise that allowed the 2014 peace agreement to be reached,” Crisis Group said.

Data from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) showed that at least 24,844 of the 40,000 strong MILF members have been deactivated as of April 2023.

At least 4,625 weapons and about 6,852 ammunition have also been decommissioned since the program started in 2015, it added.

The parties agreed to resume the decommissioning process of the remaining 1,300 combatants under Phase 3 in mid-2023.

OPAPRU revealed that at least P3.15 billion have been poured by the government for the socio-economic aspect of the normalization phase.

Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Implementing panel chair, was reported as saying in an OPAPRU statement that the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process “will take place following the substantial compliance of both parties to all the provisions of the peace agreement.”

Apart from the issue on the deactivation of MILF forces and their weapons, and the local violence caused by extremist groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf Group, Crisis Group pointed out that a big obstacle to enduring peace in the Bangsamoro region is clan politics.

The powerful political clans often employ what amount to private armies, it said, adding that although these militias pose no threat to national security, Manila needs to get serious about dismantling them.

The presence of these militias is one of the reasons why MILF fighters hesitate to give up their guns, the report noted.

According to estimates, as many as 100,000 unlicensed firearms are in circulation in the Bangsamoro region, the report said.

Last year, at least 20 private armed groups were dismantled in Mindanao, including in the BARMM, ahead of the May 2022 national elections, the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups reported.

The Bangsamoro region comprises the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato, and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato called the Special Geographic Area. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/05/crisis-group-hasten-decommissioning-of-milf-fighters-dismantle-private-armies-for-bangsamoro-peace-deal-to-progress/

Sayyaf terror man yields in Zamboanga

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 4, 2023): Sayyaf terror man yields in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY - An Abu Sayyaf fighter, branded by security officials as 'notorious', has surrendered to the Philippine Navy in Zamboanga City, after 13 years member of the pro-ISIS terror group.

The Navy said Benjamin Husin, also known as Sabar, was operating in Sulu, but had been hiding here after escaping a military campaign in the province.

He also served as a 'spotter' of the Abu Sayyaf under Alhabsy Misaya in Zamboanga City.

"During an encounter in 2017, Sabar sustained gunshot wounds on his right and left After years of being involved in a series of encounters and ambuscades against government troops, he eventually decided to surrender and live a normal life with the hopes of reuniting with his family," the Navy said, adding, the former terrorist also handed his Garand rifle and a clip of magazine.

He was then presented to Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

"The surrenderee also underwent a medical check-up at Camp Navarro General Hospital and will be duly turned over to Joint Task Force – Zamboanga for proper documentation for appropriate disposition and the surrenderee’s possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program," the Navy said.

"The continuing surrender of ASG members is a testament to the government's continuous efforts in ensuring peace and security in the region. It is hoped that this success will encourage more extremists to lay down their arms and surrender, leading to lasting peace and stability in the area," it added.

The Navy did not say how long Husin has been hiding here or whether he was involved in previous terror attacks here.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/05/sayyaf-terror-man-yields-in-zamboanga.html

PBBM hails US willingness to work with PH as equal partner

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2023): PBBM hails US willingness to work with PH as equal partner (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

(Photo courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday hailed the United States’ willingness to work with the Philippine government “as an equal, sovereign partner", noting that defense and security engagement remains the key pillar of Philippines-US bilateral relations.

Marcos made the remark during his meeting with members of the US Senate led by Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other members of the panel on Capitol Hill.

Marcos said engagements between Manila and Washington should not only take place at the executive level, but also with members of the legislature.

During the meeting, Marcos and the US Senate members discussed a wide range of issues that include security, defense, agriculture, climate change mitigation, economic cooperation and cyber security.

Other areas of cooperation between the two countries that need to be strengthened, Marcos said, include the supply chain, health and health security, environment, energy security and interconnectivity.

The meeting was part of the President’s ongoing five-day official visit to Washington, which included a series of high-level dialogues with US President Joseph Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Joining the President in Wednesday's Capitol Hill meeting were Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Among those who joined Menendez were Senator James Risch as well as other officials of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200709

Christening of Navy's 2 new Israeli missile boats set May 8

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2023): Christening of Navy's 2 new Israeli missile boats set May 8 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it will be conducting a christening ceremony for the two newly delivered fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-Ms) on May 8.

In an advisory to reporters Thursday, Navy spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said the event will be held at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City at 9 a.m.

These FAIC-Ms will be christened BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905).

The namesake of these ships were both Marine personnel who were awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest military decoration for courage, bravery and self sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty. Both men died on the battlefield.

Aside from the christening rites, the PN will also hold a blessing ceremony for its Naval Shipbuilding Center which is also located at the same facility.

The guest-of-honor and speaker for these events will be Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. These two ships were delivered to the Philippines last April 11.

"Said FAIC-Ms, which are part of the nine platforms contracted with Israel Shipyards, arrived from Israel on board the general cargo ship M/V Mick. They were unloaded with the assistance of BRP Mamanwa (LC-294) and proceeded to the naval shipyard in Cavite for a series of tests and crew training," Negranza earlier said.

These FAIC-Ms will soon join the Acero-class patrol gunboats along with frontrunners BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902) which were commissioned last November.

"They are a welcome addition to the Navy's capability to secure vital choke points, key sea lines of communication, and littoral areas of the country," Negranza said. Five more are expected to be delivered within the next two years.

The 32-meter long FAIC-Ms are high-speed vessels equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable of delivering precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

The acquisition of these FAIC-Ms is among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

The notice of award for the FAIC-M project, worth around PHP10 billion, was issued on Jan. 5, 2021. These are expected to replace PN’s medium-sized patrol craft.

Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

Earlier, PN chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy is planning to acquire at least 15 more Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats, which are the basis of its Acero-class patrol gunboats.

He said the additional Acero-class gunboats would help them to meet their requirements in "patrolling the seas of the country".

Adaci also said the FAIC-Ms will be assigned to the Littoral Combat Force.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200710

Attacks vs. US, PH ships, aircraft in Pacific, SCS to trigger MDT

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2023): Attacks vs. US, PH ships, aircraft in Pacific, SCS to trigger MDT (By Priam Nepomuceno)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III (left) and Department of National Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) (File photo)

MANILA – The Bilateral Defense Guidelines between the United States and the Philippines have emphasized that an attack in the Pacific, including any part of the South China Sea against public vessels, aircraft or armed forces of the two nations will result in the invocation of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) commitments.

"The guidelines reaffirm that an armed attack in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea, on either of their public vessels, aircraft, or armed forces – which includes their Coast Guards – would invoke mutual defense commitments under Articles IV and V of the 1951 US-Philippines MDT," it added.

The guidelines were established on Wednesday by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and his Filipino counterpart Carlito Galvez Jr.

"Recognizing that threats may arise in several domains – including land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace – and take the form of asymmetric, hybrid, and irregular warfare and gray-zone tactics, the guidelines chart a way forward to build interoperability in both conventional and non-conventional domains," it noted.

The Bilateral Defense Guidelines also aims to modernize alliance cooperation in service of the United States and the Philippines’ shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

The guidelines are informed by the following goals with the aim of strengthening the United States and the Philippines’ combined deterrence in an evolving security environment, including:

-- Reaffirm the US-Philippines MDT’s enduring relevance in addressing both current and emerging threats;
-- Foster a common understanding of roles, missions, and capabilities within the framework of the alliance to face regional and global security challenges;

-- Drive unity of effort across all areas of bilateral security and defense cooperation to sustain focus on principal regional security concerns; and;

-- Guide priority areas of defense cooperation to address both conventional and non-conventional security challenges of shared concern.

The guidelines identify multiple lines of effort to advance these objectives, including the following:

Modernizing defense capabilities

-- Coordinate closely on the Philippines’ defense modernization, including through the completion of a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap, to identify priority defense platforms and force packages that will bolster combined deterrence and capacity to resist coercion.

-- Prioritize the procurement of interoperable defense platforms sourced from US programs and Philippine national defense procurement and funding initiatives.

-- Expand investments in non-materiel defense capacity building including through education and training exchanges, exercises, and other operational activities.  

Deepen interoperability

-- Orient bilateral exercises and activities around improving our combined ability to counter armed attacks on either country as well as threats in space and cyberspace, while expanding the scope, scale, and complexity of exercises.

-- Expand cooperation on maritime security and maritime domain awareness, including through the continued conduct of combined maritime activities, including but not limited to joint patrols.

-- Deepen cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to strengthen interoperability, including through infrastructure improvements; enhanced joint use of facilities; advancement of additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities; and rotational US access to agreed locations.

-- Enhance bilateral planning and information-sharing.

-- Conduct coordinated analysis, tabletop exercises, and training and exercises to reinvigorate bilateral planning and coordination efforts; assess bilateral requirements; and advance common objectives and approaches to shared challenges.

-- Develop adaptable decision-making processes and communication procedures to support flexible, timely, whole-of-government bilateral coordination and action to respond to conventional and unconventional warfare.

-- Broaden information sharing on early indicators of threats to the peace and security of both countries to ensure preparedness to address principal challenges confronting the alliance.

-- Strive toward real-time information sharing in collaboration with other departments and agencies to support deeper interoperability and operational coordination.

-- Enhance information security through consultations on policies, practices, and procedures for the protection of classified defense and military information.

Combat transnational and non-conventional threats

-- Improve cyber defense and cyber security cooperation to secure critical infrastructure and protect against attacks emanating from state and non-state actors.

-- Pursue capacity-building activities to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear-related attacks and to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Contribute to global and regional peace and security.

-- Sustain participation in multilateral fora, anchored in shared support for ASEAN centrality.

-- Prioritize trilateral and other forms of multilateral cooperation based on common issues of shared concern, including pursuing opportunities for third-party participation and observation in bilateral US-Philippine defense activities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200718

House accepts PBBM challenge to forge closer PH-US ties

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2023): House accepts PBBM challenge to forge closer PH-US ties (By Zaldy De Layola)

MANILA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday (US time) welcomed the suggestion of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that efforts to boost the long-standing bond of friendship between the Philippines and the United States should also involve the respective legislative branches of the two countries.

Romualdez said the House of Representatives is ready to take up the challenge of strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations through consistent engagements of each country’s lawmakers.

“We, at the House of Representatives, welcome the suggestion of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. that efforts to boost the long-standing bond of friendship between the Philippines and the United States should also involve the respective Legislative branches of the two countries,” the Speaker said.

“We are ready to take up that challenge and we look forward to more engagements with our counterparts in the United States in the future,” he added.

On Wednesday, Marcos and members of his delegation met with key members of the US Senate and discussed with them various issues that include security, defense, agriculture and climate change mitigation, economic cooperation and cyber security.

During the meeting, Marcos thanked Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other members of the panel for welcoming his delegation to Capitol Hill.

It was also during the said meeting when Marcos noted that engagements between Manila and Washington should not only take place at the executive department but also with members of the legislature of both governments.

“While the conduct of foreign relations is largely the domain of the Executive, engagements between the lawmakers of both countries would be of immense value in, for instance, harmonizing the legal framework governing their bilateral relations,” Romualdez noted.

He added that with closer personal relations engendered through such engagements, the lawmakers of both countries would help deepen the level of appreciation and understanding on issues of mutual concern and thus promote even closer cooperation and partnership.

“We have actually taken the initiative to move toward the direction suggested by President Marcos,” Romualdez said.

It could be recalled that in mid-April, Speaker Romualdez along with several members of the House, flew to the United States where they engaged with key congressional leaders to lay the groundwork for the official visit of Marcos to the United States.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200717

Marcos: PH, US ‘naturally drawn to each other'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): Marcos: PH, US ‘naturally drawn to each other' (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

POLICY SPEECH. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his policy speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC on Thursday (May 4, 2023). Marcos said Manila and Washington DC have seen a steady exchange of official engagements at all levels of government over the past 20 months. (Photo courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States are “naturally drawn to each other" and are bonded by shared values and commitment to mutual prosperity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday (Friday in Manila).

In a policy speech delivered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, Marcos said Manila and Washington have seen a steady exchange of official engagements at all levels of government over the past 20 months.

These engagements, he said, include his first meeting with US President Joseph Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last year and his ongoing five-day official visit to Washington, DC, the first by a sitting Philippine president to the United States in more than 10 years.

The President said the future of the US would hold more promise if it works "hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, in lockstep" with the Philippines.

“Our two countries are drawn to each other because we recognize that in order to achieve our common goal of peace and prosperity for our peoples, we need to work with like-minded partners," he said.

Marcos said the Philippines is poised to achieve upper-middle income country status in one or two years and is expected to become the 16th largest economy in the world by 2040.

“For more than a hundred million Filipinos, ensuring their economic well-being and uplifting their quality of life has always been the priority of this administration,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippine government is "expanding cooperation in key areas,” such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, manage global security challenges, sustain economic momentum, and secure inclusive development.

He described the CSIS as one of the world’s foremost policy institutions on national security and foreign policy issues, saying it has been a great partner in highlighting the Philippines to its American and international audiences.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200791

New defense guidelines ‘responsive’ to challenges faced by US, PH

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): New defense guidelines ‘responsive’ to challenges faced by US, PH (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

(File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the new United States-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which chart their vision for alliance cooperation across all operational domains, will be responsive to the security challenges faced by both countries.

During a question and answer session at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Marcos said "security and defense can no longer be isolated as one issue."

"There are attendant and ancillary issues that hope -- that helped solved the problem and that are part of the solution and so again we must really be looking towards the… for example, on the economic side, we must be looking to adjust our relationship as we all are trying to adjust and to transform our economies,” Marcos said.

In a meeting at Pentagon on Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities as the allies develop a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap to guide shared defense modernization investments over the next five to 10 years.

The new bilateral defense guidelines aim to direct a "whole-of government coordination" as well as promote better coordination and bilateral planning to ensure the territorial integrity and security of both parties.

The guidelines would also institutionalize better interoperability and develop inter-agency capabilities of Philippine and American security establishments.

Marcos also stressed the need to focus on the new economy emerging from the post-pandemic world.

"And with the impacting forces of the war in Ukraine and those are some things -- these are elements, these are issues that we never really had to deal with before,” the chief executive said.

On Ukraine-Russia conflict: 'Protect sovereignty of each nation’

When asked about his takeaway from his meetings with US officials and lawmakers regarding international security, Marcos raised the need to protect the sovereignty of each nation in the face of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"I think we are in full agreement that we must continue to protect the sovereignty, not just sovereign rights, but the sovereignty of each nation, no matter where they are and that the situation in Ukraine cannot continue and it is something that is really anachronistic in the modern world,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the Philippines had been straightforward in supporting the resolutions passed by the United Nations in the war in Ukraine.

"And that we respect the sovereignty and territoriality of every single nation in the world. And that applies most certainly because they are in this incredibly critical situation where an outright war is going on,” he said.

Marcos stressed nations should exert all possible efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200799

Cop, 3 civilians hurt as gunmen clash in Lanao Sur town center

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2023): Cop, 3 civilians hurt as gunmen clash in Lanao Sur town center (By Edwin Fernandez)

LIVE EXPLOSIVE. A live rifle grenade is found hanging in a makeshift variety store stall in Barangay Paser Pantalan, about 800 meters from the clash site of two warring clans in Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday night (May 2, 2023). Police forces (inset) have been deployed around town to defuse the tension after a cop and three civilians were wounded by stray bullets in the incident. (Photo courtesy of Malabang resident Mohammad Abu)

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao Norte – Heavily armed men traded gunshots in the middle of the densely populated town center of Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday night, leaving a cop and three civilians injured.

Capt. Jerome Baliuag, deputy chief of the Malabang municipal police station, said the firefight erupted at about 9 p.m. amid a drizzle, sending civilians to seek cover within their homes.

“It ended at about 10:05 p.m. or about an hour later,” Baliuag said in a report Wednesday, adding that the clashes involved two warring families and occurred between Barangays Tubok and Chinatown in Malabang.

Baliuag identified the injured as Patrolman Abosali Balindong of the Malabang police, and civilians Mikel Maliga, Abdullah Minalang, and Samsodin Dilawan, all of Poblacion, Malabang.

Fighting ended when personnel of the Malabang police and the provincial police, backed by soldiers, arrived at the scene.

Responders rushed those injured to the Dr. Serapio Montañer Hospital in the same town.

A resident, Mohammad Abu, shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday a photo of an unexploded rifle grenade projectile that landed on a makeshift variety store in Barangay Paser Pantalan.

Mohammad posted the image to call the attention of bomb experts for immediate disposal of the grenade.

“(We) need bomb experts to safely remove it soonest because it is dangerous,” he said.

As of posting, clearing operations were ongoing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200651

NPA’s arms cache pulled out in Northern Samar town

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2023): NPA’s arms cache pulled out in Northern Samar town (By Sarwell Meniano)

UNEARTHED. Firearms and explosives of the New People's Army were found by soldiers in upland Magsaysay village, Mapanas, Northern Samar, on Tuesday (May 2, 2023). Acting on tips from villagers, troops from the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion found the buried six anti-personnel mines, a homemade shotgun, an AK47 rifle with a magazine loaded with ammunition. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – An arms cache reportedly owned and buried by members of the New People’s Army was discovered Tuesday in the upland Magsaysay village in Mapanas, Northern Samar.

Acting on tips from villagers, troops from the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion found the buried six anti-personnel mines, a homemade shotgun, and an AK47 rifle with a magazine loaded with ammunition.

“The discovery of the arms cache especially the anti-personnel mines is proof that the communist terrorist group is still blatantly violating the Law of Armed Conflict and the International Humanitarian Law,” the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said in a statement on Wednesday.

The use of anti-personnel mines has long been banned since the 1997 Ottawa Convention, an understanding among nations against the use of mines as weapons in warfare because it can cause superfluous injury and has psychological effects on the victims.

The military said that banned explosives have also been used by rebels to fortify their lairs in the mountains of Northern Samar.

The discovery of the arms cache on Tuesday came days after an encounter between government forces and NPA combatants on the outskirts of Bobon, Northern Samar.

The April 30 clash killed at least seven NPA members. Troops from the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade had an armed encounter with 40 rebels following a tip from residents of sightings of armed men on the outskirts of their village.

Soldiers called for close air and artillery support from the Philippine Air Force since the NPA lair was heavily fortified and surrounded by prohibited anti-personnel mines.

Soldiers recovered one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, an anti-personnel mine and subversive documents after the firefight.

The armed rebels belong to the subregional guerrilla unit and remnants of the dismantled front committee-2, subregional committee emporium of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200638