Saturday, March 23, 2024

PBBM: Army must be ‘multi-mission-ready, cross-domain capable’ force

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2024): PBBM: Army must be ‘multi-mission-ready, cross-domain capable’ force (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



(File photo)

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday emphasized the need to turn the Philippine Army (PA) into a “multi-mission-ready and cross-domain capable” force under a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines).

During the PA’s 127th anniversary at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac City, Marcos said his administration is committed to boosting the PA personnel’s morale, efficiency, and responsiveness through capacity-building initiatives, rigorous training and education activities.

“Since your foundation 127 years ago, the Philippine Army has endured the test of time, prevailed over battles, and evolved into a force that we can all be proud of. Not only has the organization been successful in its internal security operations, but it also exerted efforts in shifting to external defense,” Marcos said in a speech delivered by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“As we march onward to the Bagong Pilipinas that we aspire for, we need to transform our Army into a multi-mission-ready and cross-domain capable force that can effectively thwart emerging threats to our country’s stability and sovereignty,” he added.

Marcos also underscored the importance of improving the PA’s cybersecurity capabilities to keep up with the rapid technological advancements and help maintain the country's security and stability.

He also hoped that the Army troops would continue exhibiting “selfless and dedicated” service to the nation.

This, as he acknowledged their important role in maintaining peace and order in the country.

“Equally noteworthy are your peacetime endeavors, which put you at the forefront of rescue and recovery missions aimed at ensuring the safety of our citizens. Our soldiers have become a reliable and calming presence amidst the loss and destruction that come in the wake of disasters and calamities,” Marcos said.

Marcos urged the PA personnel to take into account the lessons and the best practices they have learned from joint operations, as well as their engagements with other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and foreign defense counterparts.

“Let the time-honored creed of honor, patriotism, and duty be your guidepost —in marching towards total victory— as we create a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) that prioritizes peace, progress, and stability,” he said.

Established on March 22, 1897, the PA has evolved into a multi-functional force throughout the years.

This year’s anniversary celebration of the PA carries the theme, ‘“Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas," highlighting its strong resolve to remain steadfast amid the challenges faced by the country.

Marcos was supposed to attend the PA’s founding anniversary celebration but had to skip the event after developing “flu-like symptoms.”

His health condition is improving despite having the symptoms, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement released Thursday.

The PCO said Marcos continues to work in his residence at Malacañan Palace in Manila, while taking medications for his full recovery.

Marcos is expected to resume his full public engagements “soon,” according to the PCO statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221333

PH resupply boat heavily damaged after another CCG water cannon attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2024): PH resupply boat heavily damaged after another CCG water cannon attack (By Priam Nepomuceno and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



HARASSED. Six Philippine Navy soldiers and essential cargoes are transferred by a rigid-hull inflatable boat from resupply boat Unaizah May 4 and the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra to BRP Sierra Madre at 11:09 a.m. on Saturday (March 23, 2024). Hours earlier, two China Coast Guard vessels trained their water cannons on Unaizah May 4, inflicting heavy damage. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – The Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4 (UM4) sustained “heavy damage” after a water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday as it was en route to bring fresh supplies to Filipino troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

In a post on X, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said CCG vessel 21551 initially performed a dangerous maneuver of “crossing the bow” against UM4 at 6:08 a.m.

At about 7:09 a.m., the CCG made a “reverse blocking maneuver” that caused a near collision as the resupply boat was approaching Ayungin Shoal.

The CCG then began blasting water cannons at UM4 at 7:59 a.m., “deliberately targeting and hitting the supply boat.”

According to the AFP report, the Unaizah May 4 was subjected to direct water cannoning by two CCG vessels at 8:38 a.m.

"The UM4 supply boat sustained heavy damage at around 08:52 due to the continued blasting of water cannons from the CCG vessels," the military said.

A video of the incident, posted by the AFP on X, showed that almost half of UM4's roof decking was torn off from the impact of the water blasts.

While the Chinese were subjecting the UM4 to water cannon blasts, another CCG and two Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels were also blocking the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Cabra (MRRV 4409), one of the designated escort vessels.

At about 7:20 a.m., PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, said BRP Cabra was “impeded and encircled” by CCG vessel 21551, along with the CMM vessels bearing bow numbers 00036 and 00314.

“MRRV 4409 has been isolated from the resupply boat due to the irresponsible and provocative behavior of the Chinese maritime forces, who have shown a disregard for the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,” he said in a statement.

At 9:53 a.m., BRP Cabra eventually maneuvered and reached UM4 to provide assistance to the resupply boat.

By 11:09 a.m., a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) managed to ferry six Philippine Navy soldiers and essential cargoes from UM4 and BRP Cabra.

Unaizah May 4 was unable to continue its course while a CMM vessel assisted by RHIBs also installed floating barriers to prevent further entry to the shoal.

China’s latest attack in Ayungin Shoal, located within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, followed the March 5 harassment, using water cannon against the same resupply boat.

The vessel also sustained damage and the crewmembers were injured, compelling it to return to mainland Palawan escorted by the BRP Sindangan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221404

Indian FM to visit PH; defense, maritime cooperation among top agenda

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2024): Indian FM to visit PH; defense, maritime cooperation among top agenda (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



India Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (PNA file photo)

MANILA – India’s Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is visiting the Philippines next week to advance trade and tourism, defense, and maritime cooperation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday said the Indian top diplomat will undertake his second visit to the country on March 25 to 27.

“In addition to advancing trade and tourism between two of Asia’s fastest growing economies, the foreign minister’s meeting with Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo will focus on defense and maritime cooperation, food security, development, healthcare and financial technology cooperation,” the DFA said.

On defense, India has previously made a loan offer to help the country modernize its military.

READ: India markets defense equipment in PH; offers soft loan

Last month, the Indian government also brought to Manila a business delegation to showcase its homegrown military technologies and equipment and scope out possible defense industry tie-ups with the Philippines.

On top of these, New Delhi and Manila are also close partners on development and capacity building.

Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, over 1,100 Filipino public servants have been trained in various development programs in India.

India is also the Philippines 15th trading partner and 13th export market, with total bilateral trade surpassing USD3 billion in 2023.

Jaishankar’s visit is part of his three-country Southeast Asia tour, which also includes Singapore and Malaysia.

He first visited the Philippines in February 2022.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221410

Filipino crew injured; PH reprimands China over latest harassment

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2024): Filipino crew injured; PH reprimands China over latest harassment (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



ON A MISSION. Philippine Navy soldiers and essential cargoes are transferred from Unaizah May 4 and BRP Cabra to BRP Sierra Madre off Ayungin Shoal on Saturday morning (March 23, 2024). The resupply boat Unaizah May 4 was damaged by yet another water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – The Philippines rebuked China over its latest acts off Ayungin Shoal that severely damaged a Filipino resupply boat on its way to resupply troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday morning.

The crew members of Unaizah May 4 (UM4) were also injured after China Coast Guard (CCG) directed water cannons against the resupply boat.

“The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) latest acts of unprovoked aggression, coercion, and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine RoRe (routine rotation and resupply) mission to Ayungin Shoal, have once again placed at risk, caused severe damage to property, and caused physical harm to Filipinos on board UM4,” the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement.

“The systematic and consistent manner in which the PRC continues to carry out these illegal and irresponsible actions belies its hollow claims to peace, dialogue, and adherence to international law.”

National Security Adviser and NTF-WPS Chairperson Eduardo Año will meet with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the National Security Cluster on March 25 to craft recommendations that will be submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The NTF-WPS said the Philippines will continue to “act peacefully and responsibly,” consistent with international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

It said the Philippines will remain undeterred neither by “veiled threats or hostility” from exercising its rights over its maritime zones, including the Ayungin Shoal.

“Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others,” the task force said.

“We demand that China demonstrate in deeds and not in words that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community,” it added.

Accomplished

At around 4 a.m., the NTF-WPS said CCG worked in tandem with Chinese maritime militia vessels and “acted recklessly and dangerously” against UM4 and its Philippine Coast Guard escort vessels, BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra.

This culminated with two CCG ships water cannoning the UM4, causing severe damage to the boat and injuries to the Filipinos onboard.

The NTF-WPS said the Chinese vessels even attempted to obstruct BRP Sindangan and Cabra from providing immediate relief and assistance to the disabled UM4 and her crew, but the PCG ships broke through.

The injured crew of UM4 received medical attention aboard BRP Cabra.

To complete the RORE mission, BRP Sierra Madre deployed rigid-hulled inflatable boats to UM4 to ferry personnel.

The CCG attempted to again obstruct and impede the RORE by placing a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of Ayungin Shoal’s lagoon.

Despite these, the NTF-WPS said the RORE was accomplished around 11:59 a.m., with the contingent leaving the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal about 12:09 p.m.

“The actions of the agents of the PRC today in the waters of the Philippine EEZ (exclusive economic zone) showed to the Filipino people, the region, and the world that the PRC recognizes no reasonable or legal restraint nor limitation upon its actions under international law,” the task force said.

Concerning

Various heads of foreign missions in the Philippines, meanwhile, expressed concern over the latest incident in the West Philippine Sea.

In a post on X, Japanese Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said Tokyo stands in solidarity with Manila as confirmed during the first trilateral vice-ministerial meeting with the United States this week.

“Japan reiterates its grave concern on the repeated dangerous actions by CCG in SCS (South China Sea) which resulted in Filipino injuries,” he said.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said the US also stands with the country against China’s repeated dangerous maneuvers to disrupt its lawful activities within its EEZ.

“The PRC’s interference with the Philippines freedom of navigation violates international law & threatens a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said on X.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron said the “recurring” acts are concerning and reiterated the bloc’s call for all parties to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.

“Concerned by recurring dangerous manoeuvres, blocking and water-cannoning from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Maritime Militia against Philippine vessels engaged in resupply missions,” he said. “The EU reiterates the call for all parties to abide by the legally binding 2016 Arbitration Award and international law to peacefully resolve disputes, guaranteeing safety for all in maritime waters.”

Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts echoed the EU Delegation’s position and underscored the importance of abiding by the international law.

“New Zealand is deeply concerned at further actions today by Chinese vessels towards the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal,” the New Zealand Embassy in Manila said. “These endanger lives at sea. It is fundamental to regional stability that maritime disputes are resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.”

United Kingdom (UK) Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said Great Britain opposes any action that raises tensions and threaten regional peace and stability.

"The UK condemns today's dangerous actions by Chinese vessels against the Philippines. This endangered lives and resulted in significant damage to a civilian vessel," she said on X. "We once again urge adherence to UNCLOS."

'Your fault'

As in previous incidents, China justified its harassment, saying the “Philippines should immediately stop its infringement and provocation, and refrain from undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

In a statement posted on the Embassy of China in the Philippines website, the PRC claimed the Philippines sent its supply vessel “without permission from the Chinese government, to intrude into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao, in an attempt to send construction materials to the military vessel illegally grounded at Ren’ai Jiao for its repair and reinforcement.”

It said the CCG had to take “necessary measures” to safeguard China's rights.

China refers to Ayungin Shoal as Ren’ai Jiao and Spratly Islands as Nansha Qundao. (With reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221415

5 BIFF men yield to Army in Maguindanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2024): 5 BIFF men yield to Army in Maguindanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)



BIFF SURRENDER. Three of the five guns surrendered by five Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to the Army in Maguindanao del Sur after they decided to return to mainstream society on Thursday (March 21, 2024). The rebels were involved in harassment of state forces before their surrender, military officials said. (Photo courtesy of 33IB)

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao Sur – Five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have voluntarily surrendered to military and local authorities here.

“Four surrenderers belonged to the
BIFF-Kagui Karialan faction while the fifth surrenderer is under the BIFF-Bungos faction with both groups operating in Maguindanao del Sur,” Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said in a report to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Friday.


Pangcog said the former extremists conveyed their intention to rejoin mainstream society through Lt. Col. Udjie Villan, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Villan presented the surrenderers at the 33IB headquarters in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday afternoon.

The group turned in a homemade 50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle and four Garand rifles to the military. In exchange, they initially received monetary and food packages from the government.

On March 10, nine BIFF members also surrendered to the military after the death of their comrade and the arrest of their sub-leader as a result of military operations in the fringes of this town.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221331

NPA combatant yields to Caraga cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2024): NPA combatant yields to Caraga cops (By Alexander Lopez)



BUTUAN CITY – Through a series of negotiations, authorities managed to convince a New People’s Army (NPA) combatant to abandon the communist movement and return to the fold of the law, the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) said Friday.

The PRO-13 said
“Andie,” 43, of Davao Oriental, decided to embrace a new and peaceful life by yielding to the personnel of the 2nd Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Bunawan Municipal Police Station, and the 11th Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force on Thursday.

In a statement, the regional police said the former rebel belonged to the
dismantled Guerrilla Front 34, Sub-Regional Committee 4 under the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Andie handed over to authorities three homemade shotguns, two homemade .357 revolvers, and 31 live rounds of assorted ammunition.


“May his submission to the authorities inspire others to do the same because it is never too late to yield and avail handfuls of government assistance,” PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft, said.

Kraft said the surrenderer will undergo the process for him to avail of the services of the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221352

BIFF training officer killed in clash with Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23, 2024): BIFF training officer killed in clash with Army (By Edwin Fernandez)



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao Norte – A ranking officer of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed during an encounter with government forces in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, an Army official said Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, identified the slain rebel as
Abu Halil, the training officer of the BIFF headed by Ustadz Kagi Karialan.

Caraga said a 20-minute firefight erupted in Sitio Binakuyan, Barangay Lower Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday while the soldiers were checking on reports from civilians about the presence of heavily armed men in the village.


“Most people are awake even during the wee hours of the night because they are observing the fasting month (of Ramadan),” he said.

Caraga said Abu Halil is the brother of Khadafi Abdulatif, the chief of staff of the BIFF Kagui Karialan faction. Soldiers conducting clearing operations in the encounter site found the body of Halil left by his comrades. Found near his body was an M16 rifle with ammunition.

Maj. Gen. Alex S. Rillera, 6th Infantry Division commander, said that while the operation was successful in protecting the people, especially during Ramadan, he was sad one has to die for pursuing a meaningless ideology.

“I commend the 1st Combat Brigade for the successful operation, but I reiterate my call for the extremists to consider returning to the mainstream so you will not suffer the fate of Halil,” said Rillera, also the commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221399

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

422 NPA rebels, allies neutralized from Jan. 1 to March 14 – AFP

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2024):  422 NPA rebels, allies neutralized from Jan. 1 to March 14 – AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

MANILA – A total of 422 New People's Army (NPA) insurgents and their supporters were neutralized in various operations by military units nationwide from Jan. 1 to March 14, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in a media briefing Wednesday, said the figure consists of 374 surrendered, 15 arrested, and 33 killed.

Over the same period, 56 NPA lairs were seized and 221 assorted firearms and 71 anti-personnel mines were recovered and surrendered by the rebels to military units, according to the AFP.

In a related development, Padilla said the declaration of Surigao del Norte as an "insurgency-free province" on March 15 is a "testament to the effective implementation of our campaigns and brings us closer to our target of dismantling the remaining guerilla fronts and vertical units in the region."

It is also a significant development for the province in terms of peace and development, she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221249

Islamic religion student slain near scene of deadly Maguindanao Sur ambush

From the Philippine Star (Mar 20, 2024): Islamic religion student slain near scene of deadly Maguindanao Sur ambush (By John Unson)



The slain 16-year-old was found in a grassland in Barangay Tuayan in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur a day after Sunday's fatal ambush of four soldiers in the area by local terrorists.
Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson


COTABATO CITY — Relatives want an extensive probe on the brutal killing of a 16-year-old Islamic religion student, found dead on Monday in Barangay Tuayan in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur near where four soldiers were fatally ambushed by local terrorists the day before.

The patriarch of the slain Abdulrahman Esmail, Salahuddin, told reporters via mobile phone on Wednesday that there were signs that his son was tortured before he was shot in the upper torso that caused his death.

Esmail was a hafidz, which means one who is studying Islam in a Madrasah, or Islamic school, in Datu Hoffer.


“I learned of his death when I was notified by barangay officials that I need to get his cadaver from where they found it,” Salahuddin said in Filipino, in a Maguindanaon accent.

Four soldiers, Pvt. Marvin Dumaguing, Pvt. Jessie James Corpuz, Pfc. Carl Araña and Cpl. Creszaldy Espertero of units under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, were killed in an ambush in Barangay Tuayan on Sunday by members of the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.


The four soldiers in a vehicle on their way to their command post in Barangay Tuayan when members of the two terrorist groups opened fire as they got close, killing all of them on the spot.

Their attackers finished them off with rifle shots in the head, according to barangay officials and the local police.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin has alleged that his son was last seen riding a motorcycle when he was flagged down for inspection by soldiers at a stretch of a farm-to-market road in Barangay Tuayan.

He said that his son was found by villagers on Monday lying dead on the ground, both hands and feet tied to a piece of bamboo.

“He seemed beaten badly first before he was killed,” Salahuddin said.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/20/2341980/islamic-religion-student-slain-near-scene-deadly-maguindanao-sur-ambush

39 former extremists get cash, livelihood aid

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 20. 2024): 39 former extremists get cash, livelihood aid



ZAMBOANGA. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), through its Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT), awards livelihood and cash assistance to 39 Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) in Basilan province. A photo handout shows Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, handing over a check to one of the recipients during the awarding of the livelihood aid at a restaurant in Lamitan City, Basilan, on Tuesday, March 19. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), through its Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT), has awarded livelihood and cash assistance to former violent extremists (FVEs) in Basilan province, the military said Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

The FVEs include former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Maute group, and other rebel groups.


The 101st Infantry Brigade said the grant of livelihood and cash assistance was facilitated through Project Tugon (Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit) aimed to assist the reintegration and transformation of former combatants in the Barmm area.

Project Tugon is initiated by the Barmm’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILF) to provide the recipients meaningful help towards their sustainable lives.

The MTIT, in partnership with the 101st Infantry Brigade, awarded livelihood and cash assistance to 39 FVEs in a program held at a restaurant in Lamitan City, Basilan, on Tuesday, March 19.

The 101st Infantry Brigade said the beneficiaries received business counseling and were empowered to select their preferred livelihood program, which included options such as sari-sari stores, rubber buying, hollow block making, fishing equipment, and motor parts retail.

“The choices were based on economic viability and the interests of the recipients,” Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Luzon emphasized the commitment of the military to the government’s campaign towards peace and development and expressed his gratitude to the MILG and MTIT for carrying out the program. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/39-former-extremists-get-cash-livelihood-aid

BK24 expands activities beyond Palawan waters

From Palawan News (Mar 21, 2024): BK24 expands activities beyond Palawan waters (By Elmer Badilla)

PN File photo

The annual joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States, Balikatan, will venture beyond the territorial waters of the Philippines for the first time since its inception, Balikatan’s executive agent, Col. Michael Logico, announced in a press conference.

According to Logico, activities will now extend beyond 12 nautical miles off the west coast of Palawan, marking a departure from previous exercises confined within this limit.

“In previous exercises, we’ve been limited to just 12 nautical miles, now we are encouraging or we are venturing outwards beyond that,” he said.

He also explained that the area beyond 12 nautical miles falls within international waters, providing an opportunity for diverse maritime exercises.


Fullscreen

These exercises will include division tactics, search and rescue operations, vehicle boarding, search, and seizure exercises, gunnery exercises, deck landing qualifications, and well deck operations.

Participants, including units from the Philippine Navy, US Navy, French Navy, and the Philippine Coast Guard, will navigate from Point A to Point B in the West Philippine Sea.

This expansion underscores the commitment of the Philippine forces to strengthening defense capabilities and fostering alliances in the region.

“The message that we want to send is that we are serious about defending our territory and we have allies. That’s basically it and the alliance is still going strong,” he said

Balikatan 2024, scheduled for April and May, will involve approximately 16,000 troops, including around 11,000 from the US and 5,000 from the Philippines.

14 countries will also participate as observers, highlighting the exercise’s regional significance and collaborative nature.

https://palawan-news.com/bk24-expands-activities-beyond-palawan-waters/

PBBM: Meeting with Blinken ‘absolutely necessary’

From Panay News (Mar 21, 2024): PBBM: Meeting with Blinken ‘absolutely necessary’ (By Adrian Stewart Co)


President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Secretary Antony J. Blinken meet at Malacañan Palace. Among the issues discussed by Marcos and Blinken were efforts to strengthen PH-US alliance, increased cooperation on trade and investment, promoting regional peace and security, defense modernization, and economic cooperation.

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was “absolutely necessary” to strengthen the bilateral ties between the Philippines and the United States.

According to the Chief Executive, it is encouraging for the Philippines to be among the countries Blinken has visited despite all the extremely important issues that the United States has to deal with.

Among the issues discussed by Marcos and Blinken are efforts to strengthen PH-US alliance, increased cooperation on trade and investment, promoting regional peace and security, defense modernization, and economic cooperation.

“We are all familiar with the situations that you are having to deal with the world, and it is extremely encouraging for the Philippines that, despite all of these extremely important issues that you have to attend to, that you consider the Philippines important enough to take time from all global – globally important issues to come with us in the Philippines,” Marcos told Blinken.

“As with many meetings that we have with yourself, of these officials, our meetings always cover a great deal, great regard, wide scope and, as again, this happened in a quick chat that we just have and this is absolutely necessary. It is important that we continue to do that,” he added.

The visit of the US official is timely with the continued tension between the Philippines and China in its long-running maritime dispute over the South China Sea, including portions of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In 2016, the Philippines was awarded the arbitral ruling that denied the nine-dash line, the basis of China’s historical claims over the islands and waters in the entire South China Sea, including EEZs of neighboring Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

China, however, rejected the ruling and maintained an aggressive stance in the region, even firing water cannons at Philippine vessels taking humanitarian supplies to a military outpost at the Ayungin Shoal.

https://www.panaynews.net/pbbm-meeting-with-blinken-absolutely-necessary/

Ex-CTG member arrested for robbery

From Panay News (Mar 21, 2024): Ex-CTG member arrested for robbery (By MAI LADIAO)

BACOLOD City – A suspected active member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) wanted for the crime of robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons was apprehended in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The suspect, alias
“Dose,” 41, was served on Monday morning, March 18, with his arrest warrant issued by Hon. Arville Guyod Delgado, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court 6, Branch 57 in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental dated February 20, 2023.


Bail was set at P100,000.

“Dose” is reportedly designated as the intel and vice squad leader of the Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) Platoon of the New People’s Army.

The arrested individual was placed under the custody of the Sagay City police for proper disposition.

https://www.panaynews.net/ex-ctg-member-arrested-for-robbery/

APC-Visayas commander appeals to rebels to surrender

From Panay News (Mar 21, 2024): APC-Visayas commander appeals to rebels to surrender

Rodriguez. APC-Visayas/FACEBOOK PHOTO

ILOILO City – Surrender peacefully or face death.

This was the call of Major General Robert Rodriguez, chief of the Area Police Command (APC)-Visayas, against the New People’s Army (NPA) who continues to fight the armed struggle.

Rodriguez is calling upon the members of the NPA to embrace the true meaning of peace by surrendering and availing of the government programs for them.

“Indi kita gusto magpatyanay kay we are all Filipinos. Sa mga remaining rebels nga naga-refuse mag-surrender, palihog surrender na kamo kon indi kamo gusto nga mapatay paagi sa encounter. Madamo programs ang gobyerno nga para gid sa inyo,” Rodriguez said.

Records from Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed that six rebels were killed in operations, 17 had surrendered and 12 withdrew their support for the rebel groups.

Further, 39 firearms and 17 explosives were either surrendered or recovered by the authorities.


“Let us work hand in hand to end the insurgency in Panay and Negros islands and live peacefully,” Rodriguez added.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army continues its deployment to strategic places.

“No let up for the insurgents. We have to continue our operations, but we are still open for them to surrender,” 3ID commander Major General Marion Sison said./

https://www.panaynews.net/apc-visayas-commander-appeals-to-rebels-to-surrender/

Rebel nabbed for robbery

From the Negros Now Daily (Mar 20, 2024): Rebel nabbed for robbery (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A remnant of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) of the New People\s Army (NPA) was arrested on Monday (March 18) in a joint police and military operation in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, a report of the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas said.

The suspect identified only as
alias “Dose” has an arrest warrant for the crime of robbery with violence.

The 41-year-old rebel was a
vice squad leader of the dismantled NNF Sentro de Grabidad Platoon, the report added.


San Carlos City Regional Trial Court Judge Arville Guyod Delgado has recommended a bail of P100,000 for his provisional liberty.

He is now under the custody of the Sagay City Police Station. | GB

https://negrosnowdaily.com/rebel-nabbed-for-robbery/